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Berkeley's Department of Athletics donates toys to children in display of generosity

Berkeley's Department of Athletics donates toys to children in display of generosity
Posted: Dec 09, 2023

From the period of November 1st through December 8th, Berkeley College's office of Student Development & Campus Life, and the Office of Military & Veteran Affairs held its annual toy drive. The purpose of the drive is to donate toys for children whose families are struggling.

This year, Berkeley supported St. Joseph's Children's Hospital in Paterson, NJ. The institution's Department of Athletics was a big contributor, with all three of its athletic teams donating multiple items in a heartfelt show of generosity and holiday spirit. Sherrille T. Shabazz, Ed.D., Berkeley's Vice President of Student Development and Campus Life, as well as Men's Soccer Head Coach Bruno Ferriera, Women's Basketball Head Coach Candice DeRisi, and Men's Basketball Head Coach Jonathan Pena all spoke about what contributing to the toy drive means to them.

Sherrille T. Shabazz, Ed.D.: Vice President of Student Development and Campus Life

"I'm immensely proud of the athletic teams for donating toys to a meaningful cause, showcasing their dedication not only to team successful, but also to supporting the local community."

Bruno Ferreira, Men's Soccer Head Coach:

"The Berkeley College Knights take a tremendous amount of pride in giving back to the community and putting smiles on the faces of those less fortunate. It is our civic duty to always help people in need."

Candice DeRisi, Women's Basketball Head Coach:

"I feel as though my student-athletes put a lot of thought into giving back to the community, and more specifically, the children whose Christmases might be made a little bit better with these donations. Our players put in great effort, and I'm proud of that."

Jonathan Pena, Men's Basketball Head Coach:

"The word on the back of our warmup shirts is "Culture", and I feel that part of Berkeley College's culture has been to always give back to the community, and this toy drive accomplishes that goal with flying colors. Our student-athletes were proud to be a part of this initiative, and hopefully we were able to put smiles on the faces of many children this holiday season."