The Spirit of Giving

New Jersey City University’s 14th annual “Gifts from the Heart Project,” a community service program of the University’s Division of Student Affairs, collected and distributed toys and clothing for children and families in need in the Jersey City community through donations made to Hudson Cradle, Let’s Celebrate, and Women Rising. Contributions made by members of the NJCU community were sorted and wrapped by University students, faculty, staff, and alumni. Among the NJCU students who decorated packages were (seated or kneeling from left): juniors Christian Cox of Manahawkin and Whitney Awaru of Fort Lee, sophomores Latisha Dunkle of Buena and Austin Bryant of Virginia Beach, Virginia, freshman Ashley Curcio of Mt. Sinai, New York, and senior Christal Harry of Jersey City; and (standing) freshman Evan Baytops (left) of Irvington, junior Oraldo Austin (second from left) of Middlesex, and juniors Ozzie Lourenco (right) of Harrison, Ayesha Noel (second from right) of Newark, and Michael Faivush (third from right) of Bayonne; and NJCU staff members (standing from left): Arnold Jeter of Iselin, academic coordinator for student retention; Dr. Abisola Gallagher of Montclair, director of counseling and wellness services and co-coordinator of the project; Pamela Andrews of Morristown, an NJCU academic advisor; Juanita Randall of Jersey City, a principal library assistant; Wonda Shipman of Plainfield, associate dean of student development and campus life; and Patricia Albers of Jersey City, associate director of financial aid and co-coordinator of the project.