Staff members tell us how they put heart into the holidays

    How do you…give?  That was the question posed in the first in a series of questions that will be directed to Yale staff members in a new space on the It’s Your Yale homepage that is dedicated to them. Take a moment to find out how your colleagues put heart into the holidays this season.

    Name Department How they give
    Diane Chandler HR Operations Growing up in a single family home, we didn’t have much, but what we did have was each other and memories. I  learned that you don’t have to wait for a holiday to give and that is why I give all through out the year because I understand how blessed I am and fortunate to be able to give to those less fortunate. The way I help during the holidays, and throughout the year, is by volunteering at my church with food box preparations and toy drives for those in need.
    Carole Amarakoon

     

    		 Neurology
         		 I like to donate to Toys for Tots to help bring a little holiday joy to families in need. I also get gift cards for the service professionals who have touched my life over the past year. I love to give a little extra money to my favorite charities, including first responders. Most importantly, I try to be more patient and understanding. Compassion is a beautiful gift and it doesn’t cost a penny!
    Pamela Cox-Johnson Best Practices

     

    		 I love to support Toys for Tots. I believe every tot should experience the feeling of receiving a toy during the holidays. Their expressions of gratitude and smiles are so priceless. It is a constant reminder to me what the season is all about. Giving to the cause and sharing moments with the tots is an opportunity to enforce my loving kindness towards them.
    Ashley Blackwell Internal Communications I give to a few different animal shelters and rescue groups in CT and TN. Donating money, food, toys, and sweaters/coats to pups in need!
    Anita Sharif-Hyder Provost Office I give to family, friends, community members, teachers, caregivers, neighbors, and those that need extra care and love. I give because it gives me
    joy and reminds me of the blessings I have in my life.
    Darlene Smith Cowles Foundation At Thanksgiving time, I purchase food for needy families in my area. Every Christmas I pick a child to buy for from our angel tree at church.
    Whenever I see a Salvation Army bucket I donate money. My reason for giving is that I am very fortunate in life and like helping others.
    Lalani Perry Internal Communications As a family, we donate food and coats to the homeless each year.
    Margaret McDonald Pharmacology Every year I buy toys for Toys for Tots. I was raised to always help others in need and I have passed that tradition on to my three children.