The Livingston Youth and Community Services (LYCS) Leaders Toys 4 Tots annual community campaign was a great success again this year! These gifts of assortment of games, books, soft toys, dolls, action figures, art and painting supplies etc… were donated by the kind generosity of the Livingston community. This collaborative project was spearheaded by LYCS Leaders and included the Heritage Middle School Student Council, and staff at the Town Hall, Senior Community Center, Monmouth Court Community Center, YMCA of Essex County, Livingston Public Library, and the West Essex Tribune's office. These wonderful gifts brought holiday cheer to less fortunate children in Essex County.
The toys were distributed by the Mental Health Association of Essex County (MHAEC) to children who were most in need. Several different programs were able to take advantage of Livingston generosity, and used the toys and games to brighten up the holidays for many children. These included children served in the agency's unified care management program and children from the Latino Outreach Program. Gifts were delivered to children seeking shelter with their homeless families, and to children engaged in mental health treatment. Whenever possible, gifts for the children were given to their moms and dads who in turn became a special "Santa" and delivered their gifts to their own children, helping to strengthen family bonds. In a time of economic difficulties and high unemployment, LYCS Leaders and the Livingston community displayed humanity, kindness and wonderful generosity, making this a holiday season to remember.
LYCS is a community-based, after-school program that teaches leadership, healthy life choices and life skills to students (gr 2-12) in Livingston. In addition, LYCS provides community service opportunities and community programming. Registration is ongoing throughout the year. For more information about our programs, please visit our website: www.livingstonlycs.org or email: lycs@livingstonnj.org. LYCS is a Township of Livingston: Senior, Youth and Leisure Services program and is funded in part by the Livingston Municipal Alliance Committee (LMAC).
