On Friday, December 10, Harbor Country Day School paid a visit to Long Island Elite Limousines in St. James to deliver more than 200 toys donated to the Suffolk County Toys for Tots program. The toys were donated by Harbor Country Day School families as part of the Student Council’s annual toy drive. Given the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic over the past two years, there was an even greater need for donations than usual.
Because visitors are not permitted to Harbor Country at this time, and due to social distancing requirements, both the result of COVID-19, this year’s toy drive looked different than in years past. Historically, Harbor Country Day School was a local drop off point in the community and donated toys were picked up by the Marine Corps. This year, Harbor students and faculty loaded toys onto the Harbor Country Day School bus to bring to Long Island Elite Limousines where they were subsequently delivered to Suffolk County Toys for Tots.
Harbor has contributed to the Toys for Tots drive since 1998, when former Harbor employee and former Marine Mike Guido instituted the program. Now retired from the school, Harbor continues this tradition begun by Mr. Guido.
“We’re honored to have the opportunity to contribute to the Toys for Tots drive and to work… on such a wonderful program,” said John Cissel, Head of School for Harbor Country Day School.
About Harbor Country Day School
Founded in 1958 by conscientious parents, Harbor Country Day School is an independent, co-educational day school for children from preschool through 8th grade situated in St. James’ Village of Head of the Harbor. The school employs a whole-child approach to education, wherein its rigorous curriculum is supported by a broad program in its academic, athletic, advisory, and visual and performing arts departments designed to develop all aspects of each child's talents and interests. Harbor Country Day School’s summer camp program, Camp Harbor, is among the leading summer camp programs on Long Island. The school’s mission to “cherish childhood, cultivate wonder, and inspire confident learners and leaders” underscores every child’s experience at Harbor Country Day School and ensures that all of its graduates are prepared to lead fulfilling lives filled with wonder, confidence, and many successes.
Harbor Country Day School is chartered by the New York State Board of Regents and is accredited by and a member of the New York State Association of Independent Schools (NYSAIS). It is a non-sectarian, nonprofit organization under section 501(c) (3) of the IRS Code governed by a self-perpetuating board of trustees. For more information, visit www.hcdsny.org.
About Toys for Tots
The mission of the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November, and December each year, and distribute those toys as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children in the community in which the campaign is conducted. The program helps those children experience the joy of Christmas and plays an active role in their healthy growth and development. During the annual three-month toy collection and distribution campaign, the program unites all members of local communities in a common cause and gives everyone an opportunity to contribute to the future of their community. The Toys for Tots program is the nation’s largest holiday toy drive.
About Long Island Elite Limousines
Long Island Elite Limousines has been in business since 2001 and has always made it a priority to give back to the community in various ways. The owner, Charlie, has supported local fundraisers and charity events in the past. In 2020, although life seemed to have changed for everyone, he decided to figure out a way to give back in a greater way through Toys for Tots. Along with the help of his management team and local businesses (A&R Alignment & Auto Repair in Smithtown, No Limit Motorsport in Medford), Harbor Country Day School and generous friends and family, they were able to surpass their goal of filling their Sprinter Limo with toys by delivering 2 Sprinters full of toys to the Suffolk County December collection date in Lake Grove. Long Island Elite Limousines has since then decided to make this a yearly tradition to fill as many of their limos as possible with the generous support of all of their partners.