The College Honors Program is hosting the annual semiformal to raise funds for Toys for Tots on Nov. 21 in Trustees Pavilion, announced the executive board last Tuesday.
Ramapo College Alum Cara Daniello and current senior Lauren Schmidt first introduced the Toys for Tots charity, established by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve in 1995, to the Honors Program in 2013. This charitable effort collects new, unwrapped toys throughout the months of October, November and December and distributes them as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children.
The goal of the Toys for Tots program, as stated in the mission statement, is to communicate a message of hope to children in need that will encourage them to become responsible, productive and patriotic citizens in the future. “The charity helps provide happiness to the people that…show more content… Assistant Director Chris Brittain said that the emphasis on the community is intended to make it easier for students to acclimate to the college environment and have access to other opportunities.
Many students on campus are unaware of the existence of the Honors Program and the semiformal gives presence to the organization. The program aims at striking a balance between academics and community, which is different than other universities’ programs, according to Brittain.
“In contrast to other colleges, Ramapo’s Honors Program is a lot less academically focused. The focus on community is an integral part of the mission set forth by the founder, Mary Oliver,” said Schmidt.
Although the dance was a success the first year, participation weakened during last year’s Toys for Tots Dance. With only 45 students in attendance, participation declined approximately 25%, according to