Since the pandemic began, some families have had a hard time making the money to supply themselves with the necessities of everyday living. Each holiday season, Benjamin gives back to the community through their food and toy drives. Students, teachers, and faculty are able to help those in need by donating to this cause.

Upper School Student Services Counselor Dr. Renea Yates, who organizes the drives annually, is very appreciative of the effort put forth by Benjamin. 

“I am, once again, in awe of the generosity of our Benjamin Community and their giving spirits! To know that we helped put food on the table for so many makes my heart happy,” said Dr. Yates.

In regards to the toy drive, Dr. Yates would love to see the same amount of generosity shown as the food drive. 

“I would love for our community to come together once more to help our friends at ARC with adaptive toys for Christmas,” added Dr. Yates.

The Arc of Palm Beach County, established in the mid-1950s, is a group of community volunteers who joined together to advocate for the rights and needs of people with intellectual disabilities in Palm Beach County.

The volunteers- many of them parents of children with disabilities- first started Arc with a vision of the creation of local community-based programs to educate and help their children live productive lives. Benjamin is helping to contribute to this cause in a big way.

Upper School Science Teacher Mrs. Amanda Pierman, a frequent donator in Benjamin’s charity drives, is a fan of helping out the community in any way possible.

“Yes, I did donate to the food drive, and yes, I will donate to the toy drive! Any time we can do something, no matter how small or big, for someone else, it makes a world of difference for the recipient. It also makes the donor feel good too! It helps to remind my family and me how lucky we are to have and to be able to share,” said Mrs. Pierman.

“When Dr. Yates sent out the images of recipients at ARC holding up t-shirts, my heart melted. Seeing their huge smiles, especially as one person was holding up a shirt that my daughter had worn, made me exceptionally happy and satisfied with my decision to donate. Even if I did not see these pictures, knowing that I could make someone else smile is enough of a reason for me to donate and keep donating,” adds Mrs. Pierman.

As each holiday season goes by, Benjamin and Arc’s relationship grows ever stronger. Thanks to the generosity and kindness of the Benjamin community, children’s lives all over Palm Beach county are improving in some shape or form. Excellent job, Benjamin, and keep up the great work!