The holiday season will be brighter for many families and individuals throughout Monmouth County this December due to the annual Giving Tree project on campus coordinated by the Brookdale Employee Volunteer Connection. The Brookdale community – faculty, staff, retirees and students – donated more than 150 presents and gift cards this year.

Individuals selected an item from the tree and returned the wrapped gifts in early December. Monmouth County agencies, including Family and Children’s Services and the Visiting Nurse Association, along with Brookdale student organizations, picked up the donated gifts in mid-December to ensure delivery to families and individuals before Christmas.

“It’s inspiring each year to witness the generosity and willingness of so many members of the Brookdale community to bring joy to many who would go without during the holidays,” said Ann Marie Alfieri, Administrative Assistant-Regional Sites and Partnerships, who coordinated this year’s drive. This year marks the 26th year of Brookdale’s Giving Tree.

Photo Caption: Ann Marie Alfieri, Administrative Assistant-Regional Sites and Partnerships, coordinated the annual Giving Tree project sponsored by the Brookdale Employee Volunteer Connection. Faculty, staff, retirees and students donated more than 150 presents and gift cards this year.