The Brookdale Employee Volunteer Connection (BVC) once again collected presents and gift cards to make the holidays special for 41 families this year as part of Brookdale’s Giving Tree initiative. Members of the Brookdale community (faculty, staff, administrators, retirees and students) donated 436 gifts and approximately 50  gift cards to benefit families and individuals with Monmouth County Family & Children’s Service (Operation Sleighbell), St. Vincent de Paul Society at Saint Joseph’s Church, the Visiting Nurses Association and Brookdale’s Displaced Homemaker Program. The Giving Tree, a non-denominational effort to support neighbors in need, is in its 27th year at Brookdale.

“We want to thank all who participated and supported this year’s effort,” said Ann Marie Alfieri, administrative assistant, Regional Locations & Strategic Partnerships. “Your generosity will bring happiness to many during this holiday season.”

Photo Caption: Brookdale Employee Volunteer Connection members (left to right) Helen Vota, Deb Almeida, Ann Marie Alfieri and Michelle Branagan with some of the donated gifts that will be distributed to families and individuals this holiday season.