Food for thought

East County mom Amy Meese is helping to create a brighter holiday season for children in need.

Meese is overseeing a drive of gently used toys at Temple Emanu-El. Meese says she has used the drive as an opportunity to teach her children, Megan and Gabrielle, about giving generously.

“We wanted them to understand how fortunate they were and have empathy for others,” Meese said. “Our goals were for them to focus on the needs of others and to understand selflessness. That is when we instituted our fill-a-box-for-charity tradition. The rule is, before any new gifts may be opened, each girl has to fill a box to give to charity.”

Toys will be collected from noon to 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 9, and Sunday, Dec. 16, in the religious school building of Temple Emanu-El, 151 McIntosh Road, Sarasota, or by appointment. Toys will be donated to Mothers Helping Mothers and the Salvation Army. For information, call 379-1997.