Staten Island, N.Y.— The John Jay College of Criminal Justice softball team delivered a game winning hit last month as nine players assisted with the Richard Gardner, Jr. Memorial Toy Drive on Dec. 12.
John Jay softball roster members
Sarah Balgobin (South Ozone Park, NY, John Adams),
Danielle Bonici (Staten Island, NY, St. Peter's Girls),
Marina Gomez (Bronx, NY, DeWitt Clinton),
Angela Lam (Brooklyn, NY, Newtown),
Briggitte Martinez (New York, NY, Health Professions),
Christina Perez (Brooklyn, NY, James Madison),
Johanny Santana (Elmhurst, NY, John Bowne),
Cassandra Velez (Gaithersburg, MD, Gaithersburg) and
Kaitlyn Walsh (Valley Stream, NY, Valley Stream Central) offered their time and talents for a couple of hours on that date in wrapping over 90 gifts which were given to underprivileged children in Staten Island.
The team members wrapped the gifts at Bonici’s Staten Island home and donated them to the Stapleton Church on Staten Island.
“I think it’s a great way for the team to build comradely other than softball,” said head coach
Laura Drazdowski. “It’s a very positive thing they are doing and helps families of need in their own area.”
The Richard Gardner, Jr. Memorial Toy Drive is held in memory of the fallen police officer who was accidently killed in 1995 at the age of 24. He was the uncle of Bonici.
“My uncle was a very special man,” said Bonici. “And my teammates are more than just teammates, they are friends. So for them to be involved for the cause is great.”
Each year the nonprofit organization collects over 1500 toys for families in need.
The John Jay softball program has participated in the event for the past three years.
“The John Jay softball players do a great job each year helping with such a great cause,” said director of athletics,
Dan Palumbo. “Their contribution to the Richard Gardner, Jr. Memorial Toy Drive goes a long way.”