by Tommy Napoli ’17
Thanks to a very generous alumnus donation, the annual toy drive run by our Student Senate has been renamed to the Shirish Patel Christmas Toy Drive. Mr. Rakesh “Rocky” Patel was a graduate of St. Ignatius of the Class of 1996 and has taken the initiative of donating $2,000 annually to our toy drive for ten years. The money will be used to cover the expenses of buying Santa suits, gift wrapping, and photos. This charitable gift takes a burden off the Student Senate and allows members participating in the toy drive to better experience the joy of giving to those who need it.
Mr. Patel’s father, Shirish, always supported service during Rocky’s time at St. Ignatius, especially the toy drive. After receiving a heart transplant, Shirish Patel even greater exemplified the spirit of the Prayer for Generosity. He truly knew what it meant “To Give and not to Count the Cost.” He lived to help others achieve their goals. He was a great man, and his son has done a wonderful job of honoring him through this gift to the school. Mr. Kelley, an organizer of the toy drive and Student Senate Moderator, informed me that, “He came to us with this donation.” When speaking of the gift, he expressed that the donation was, “incredibly kind of him.”
This year’s toy drive will take place on December 18th. The Student Senate will go to grade schools around the area to visit kids from Pre-K to Second grade to make sure most still believe in Santa. They will be given gifts and will be able to enjoy drinks as they open them. The toys will be collected from homerooms starting December 9th, and they will go to over 800 school children. Each homeroom is assigned a boy or girl and an age group to buy for. Any toys that are left over from the drive will be given to orphanages or charities. The drive, along with other Christmas events, will be displayed on banners throughout the campus this year.
Both Shirish and Rocky Patel personify what it means to be “Men for Others.” They provide a great example of something that we as students strive for. Their lasting impact on the toy drive is truly appreciated.
