Will You Help Save Christmas?

Pizzo Elementary is a public school located right next to USF, and teaches students in grades Pre-K (special needs) through the fifth grade. With the same mascot as the USF Bull, the Pizzo Bulls are proud of their school. Unfortunately, sometimes pride just isn't enough. Over 75 % of the student body are on free lunches, and a large portion of students come from families stricken with poverty. Many families rely on the Pizzo PTA for Christmas presents, but this year the pickings are slim.

With the economy at an all time low, everyone is suffering this year, including the Pizzo PTA. Is it fair for these children to try so hard all year, only to be disappointed during the Holidays? How does a parent tell a child that Santa couldn't make it this year? These are questions asked by on of the PTA board members at the last meeting. However, the truth is, there is no money in our funding to buy amount of toys needed, we need a miracle. This was the only possible answer that could be given, and it was.

Pizzo will kick off their Holiday toy drive in a few short weeks, sending letters home to parents, asking for new toys. A large collection box will be placed in the school, and fingers will be crossed until the collection deadline. But, with over 100 Christmas trees in need of toys, the list will be hard if not impossible to fill. Pizzo doesn't want any child to do without, that's why they have asked for the publics help this year. Donated new merchandise can be mailed to the school, dropped of in the school office during school hours, or picked up locally by a Pizzo PTA board member, or Pizzo staff.

Items Needed Include:
Toys that are new and unwrapped, for all ages. This includes games, dolls, stuffed animals, bikes, and more.

Other things that can be donated are:
New Jewelry
New Shoes
New Undergarments, and socks
New Yellow, Green, or White Polo style shirts. ( School uniform colors)
And anything else a child may enjoy or need.

How it all works, each parent of a Pizzo child receives a "in need" form. The parent fills out all of the child's information, as well as any other child living in the home under the age of 18. Then the parent returns the form to the school. Some of the questions on the form include child's age, toys they want, what interest they have, their size, and so on. Once all the forms are turned in, PTA volunteers try to match the child with the perfect gifts. Then the gifts are wrapped, and the parent is notified. If the parent does not have transportation to the school, a PTA member or Pizzo staff member will take the presents to them.

The Pizzo PTA is also looking for PTA business members. If you own a small or large business this is a great way to show your community support. Business members receive benefits which include a framed certificate of appreciation to display in their place of business, and recognition in the PTA news letter, which reaches over 500 families bimonthly. The Pizzo PTA membership cost a one time fee of $10.00, and is good for a year.

If you are interested in a Pizzo PTA business membership, making a cash donation, or a donation to the Pizzo Holiday Toy Drive, Please contact:

PizzoVolunteers@yahoogroups.com or drop off donation at:

Pizzo Elementary
11701 Bull Run Drive
Tampa Florida 33617
813-987-6500

Tax ID# 85-8012661180C-2

You can also contact Ms. Morrow ( Pizzo PTA Board Member) morrow1411@yahoo.com for more information, or to schedule a pick up.