Brooklyn Cares

  By: Normeze Rivera and Savannah David

December 11, 2019

Brooklyn Cares is a way to help local families during the holiday season. Families reach out and the Brooklyn City School’s staff helps purchase what each specific family needs. 

Brooklyn Cares began back when Roadoan Elementary School was still around.

“The teachers would bring gifts for each other that they’d think they would’ve liked as a child. Once we all opened them, we would send it to an organization,” Mrs. Marquis explained. 

After years of exchanging gifts and giving it to an organization, the teachers noticed how help was needed in our own community. Then, in 2002, Brooklyn Cares became an annual event.

“Our main priority is to care for families,” Mrs. Marquis stated.

Different families ask for different items. Some ask for food, while some may ask for clothes. Maybe even toys.

She also stated, “Some families have to decide if they’d rather fix an appliance in the house or buy gifts for their children. We want to eliminate that choice that they have to make. We want to support and give out holiday cheer.”

Not only does Mrs. Marquis participate in this, almost every staff member does, too. Brooklyn’s mayor, Katie Gallagher, also participates. 

All students in preschool to seventh grade receive a flyer. If that family feels that they need help, they sign up. Mrs. Marquis also has a Brooklyn Cares Facebook page.

“Many families reach out personally by word of mouth.”

Brooklyn Cares is a way to show the community that the staff of the Brooklyn City Schools wants to get involved and help.