Westfield State University Police Lieutenant Michael Foyle, right, joins Kim Surprise, left, manager of the WSU Dunkin Donuts, and Dawn Distefano, center, director of resource development for the YWCA of Western Mass., during a collection drive for toys that will be donated to the YWCA New Beginnings women’s shelter. The event was staged at Westfield State University as part of the Annual Stuff a Cruiser fundraiser. (Photo by chief photographer Frederick Gore)
WESTFIELD – The holidays will be much brighter for more than 120 children in shelters because of the Westfield State University (WSU) community.
The YWCA of Western Massachusetts’ New Beginnings shelter in Westfield, as well as its shelters for women and children in Springfield and Holyoke, was the recipient of a toy and money donation spearheaded by WSU campus police Monday.
Lt. Michael Foyle, along with officers Craig Kulis and Sean Coughlin, and campus Dunkin Donuts Manager Kim Surprise, presented a total of $3,000 worth of donations to YWCA Director of Resource Development Dawn Distefano and YWCA Director of Operations Sue Morse.
“We are overwhelmed at the generosity Westfield State showed us,” said Distefano. “This will make Christmas more enjoyable for the kids in our shelters. It gives them the opportunity to wake up on Christmas morning and have gifts under the tree with their names on it.”
Foyle said the campus police began organizing a donation drive nearly a decade ago through its student security unit. He said it was something he started for the future first responders that would help remind them that when responding to a situation dealing with adults, often the second victim is a child who witnessed a scary situation.
“No one wants to work on Christmas, and I wanted the students to know that those families and kids are worse off than they are,” said Foyle.
The drive spread throughout WSU and the campus Dunkin Donuts, Student Government, Barnes and Noble, and dance company collected donations.
“Our crew gave up their tips for a month,” Surprise said of her Dunkin Donuts staff. That group raised about $400.
The student government raised $1,000, the dance group raised $400, and the police group raised about $500.
A “Stuff A Cruiser” event was held and the first 50 people to donate a toy received a free beverage from the campus food service company Sedexo.
“Campus response was phenomenal,” said Foyle, adding that the group chose New Beginnings and the YWCA at-large because it wanted to help children in Westfield as much as possible.
Distefano said most women and their children in YWCA shelters are there as a result of domestic violence. However, she said the YWCA also aids women living in their homes and donations would also reach those families here in Westfield.
The donations included new toys, most of which would top every young child’s wish list. From a Wheelies track to Barbie dolls, games, clothing and personal care items, there were gifts for children from infants through teenagers.
“And they always seem to get us a variety of toys and things for girls and boys,” said Distefano. “Miraculously, there is always enough for everyone.”
For 142 years, the YWCA has been dedicated to providing services to the women of Western Massachusetts. It began by providing boardinghouses for young working women.
Today’s YWCA delivers groundbreaking programs offering shelter, support, and self-sufficiency for the women and girls in our community. From safe places for battered women and their children to job training for young adults, the YWCA responds with commitment and thoroughness.
