When JEC Lower School third grader Kayla Stern of Hillside thought about Chanukah, she couldn’t bear the idea that some children might not get toys.

With that, she spoke with her parents and faculty, and this year’s Chanukah toy drive was launched. “I just wanted to help people,” she said shyly when asked about why she initiated the project. “I wanted to make sure that all of the children get toys this Chanukah.” Judging by the more than six large boxes overfilled with brand new, high quality toys, many children in Union County, NJ, will be celebrating joyfully this Chanukah.

According to Steve Karp, executive director of the JEC, the toys are being distributed to both JFS of Union County and Kulanu Yachad, a local tzedakah organization that helps families and individuals. “Representatives from both organizations will be coming to select age-appropriate gifts for their children,” said Karp. “They were very appreciative.”