The days are getting shorter and the mercury has dropped below zero, which means it’s the perfect time for Cody Petrosino to add a little warmth.
The 13-year-old St. Boniface School student is once again collecting warm clothes, toys and games for families in need.
Petrosino was inspired by his nursery school teacher Susan O’Toole, who ran an unofficial community agency out of Conestogo Public School. Watching her collect and distribute items to more than 400 families in Woolwich, Petrosino wondered what he could do to help.
Last year Cody collected a truckload of gently-used items, and he’s appealing for donations to Panthers Winter Warmth again this year.
Up until Nov. 27, gently-used toys, games and warm winter clothing can be dropped at St. Boniface School in Maryhill between 9 a.m. and 3:20 p.m. People with donations can contact the school at 519-648-2680 to arrange a drop-off time. The items will be distributed by St. Vincent de Paul in time for the Christmas season.
Now in Grade 8, Petrosino plans to turn the collection effort over to his younger sister, Becky, when he graduates, but he’ll continue helping out behind the scenes.
Kitchener-Conestoga MP Harold Albrecht has thrown his support behind Petrosino’s initiative, helping spread the word.
“I think it’s a great example of leadership,” Albrecht said. “Hopefully this will spur another person somewhere to say ‘what can I do?’”
