Every child deserves some happiness at the holidays. This year, members of the Stony Brook American Marketing Association Student Chapter worked together to bring  some joy to pediatric patients at Stony Brook Children’s Hospital.

The group hosted a toy drive and was proud to deliver more than $1,000 in gifts, hoping to make a stay at the hospital during the holidays a little happier for the kids.

Members of the SBU AMA Student Chapter present their toy drive donations.

This was the first toy drive held by the group, and was  was spearheaded by Chris Verolla, with the help from AMA Student Chapter members Meaghan Schnell, Hayley O’Rourke, Sabrina McCormack and Michael Pizzirusso and Faculty Advisor Camille Abbruscato from the College of Business.

The students posted the request for donations on their Facebook page, created and distributed posters on campus, posted messages on campus though Blackboard, and told friends about their efforts.

The staff at the hospital were very appreciative of the donation. Through the course of  conversation when the toys were delivered, the group was told the toys are needed year round, but that most people only think of donating at the holidays.

This sparked the AMA Student Chapter members to commit to a toy drive in the spring to benefit the Children’s Hospital. Appeals for donations will begin early in the spring semester.

Learn more about the Stony Brook Student Chapter of the American Marketing Association: https://stonybrook.collegiatelink.net/organization/AMA