Stony Brook University students and local non-profit organizations collaborated to adapt toys for children with disabilities. The event, held on November 8 in SAC Ballroom B, was themed 'Santa’s Workshop.' Students worked alongside community groups to modify donated toys, ensuring they were accessible.
By December 20, the adapted toys had been delivered to Angela’s House, AHRC Suffolk Educare, and United Cerebral Palsy of Long Island. This timely delivery aimed to bring joy during the holiday season.
BME Assistant Professor Mei Lin ('Ete') Chan commented on the initiative's success: "Seeing how excited and happy the children and their caregivers were as they unwrapped the special gifts and played with the adapted toys is a true testimony of our commitment to make a difference, not only in our community but also in developing our future leaders from the student body. It takes a village. Or, in our case, it is the collective effort of our university and the support from our industry and nonprofit partners. I look forward to seeing all the positive impact our students dare to make!"
The project highlighted community collaboration and provided an opportunity for students to engage in meaningful service.