This past Monday and Tuesday, December 20 and 21, the library at the Mary C. Burke Elementary School transformed into a “Holiday Shop”, a winter wonderland of sorts filled with books, toys, clothes, household items and more for parents and families to collect for their kids this holiday season. 

Staff at the Mary C. Burke Elementary Complex organized the Fifth Annual Holiday Shop for families that needed extra support this holiday season. Hundreds of donations of toys and clothing came from staff members and the community, making it possible for families to select gifts for over 150 elementary-age children. 

The Mary C. Burke Elementary Complex Family Holiday Shop Committee included Yolanda Valles, Johnny Giraldo, Alexa Fernandez-Mejia, Vivian Quiles, Laura Hubert, Meghan D’arcy, Julie Forry, Jennifer Dobbins and Sharon Romeo. The group extended a special thanks to all who donated, especially the union members of Teamsters Local 25. 

“The Holiday Store was a complete success and families were so grateful,” Family Liaison for the Hooks Elementary School Johnny Giraldo said. “We had a parent who got so emotional that had Yolanda [Valles] and I on the verge of tears. Tears of joy of course! Mission accomplished!"

The giving did not stop there for the staff at the Elementary Complex. On Wednesday afternoon following dismissal on the last day of school before winter break, staff members distributed pajamas to families in need. Over 700 pairs of pajamas were donated to the Pajama Drive through the Project Pajama program. From 3:00-5:00 yesterday, parents and families were able to receive one new pair of pajamas for each of their kids. 

The season of giving was certainly on the display by the amazing work of the staff at the Mary C. Burke Elementary Complex! Chelsea Public Schools wishes its entire community a very Happy Holidays.