Kutz Elementary Staff To Carol For Donations To A Woman's Place

DOYLESTOWN, PA — The Holly Jolly Express will be rolling through Doylestown on Dec. 14, in the form of a caroling brigade of Kutz Elementary School staff. They will be singing to spread festive spirit and to collect donations to A Woman's Place, a domestic violence center in Doylestown.

Around 30 staff members will be participating, according to sixth grade teacher Kate Carroll.

"We also include our local police and fire departments, as well as some of our favorite dogs from Roxy Readers!" Carroll wrote in an email to Patch.

Kindergarten teacher Zandy Zucchero came up with the concept on a trip to St. Augustine, Florida, when she saw a tram full of people sightseeing and singing.

"A teacher’s mind is always thinking of ways to connect with students and families, and I immediately thought we could take this idea, tweak it a little, and turn it into a holly jolly success for the community!" she wrote to Patch. "I told Kate about the idea and she had the amazing idea to turn it into a charitable event and thus, the Holly Jolly Express was born!"

Donations to A Woman's Place can be dropped off at the school prior to Dec. 14.

Zucchero called A Woman's Place "a fantastic charity that directly impacts our community," and said that informed the decision to support them with the event.

"It provides an invaluable safe haven for families and we are honored to be able to help them in any way we can," she wrote.

The tentative schedule:

• Doylestown Lea Stop at Windsor Way and Sunrise Drive — 4:35 p.m. to 4:50 p.m.
• Warrington Ridge Stop at Noahs Circle and Princeton Drive — 5 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.
• Pebble Hill Stop at Foxcroft Drive and Hunter Drive — 5:25 p.m. to 5:40 p.m.

In addition to caroling, the staff will be providing a sweet treat at each location and "some fun surprises," new this year.

The following are suggested donations:

• Cleaning Supplies
  • Disinfectant Spray
  • Bathroom Cleaner
  • Bleach
  • Large Trash Bags
  • Laundry Pods
  • Dryer Sheets
  • Dish Soap
  • Magic Erasers
  • Swiffer Wet Pads
  • Air Fresheners
• Kids/Baby Items
  • Size 6 Diapers
  • Pull-Ups
  • Wipes
  • Children's Shampoo and
  • Body Wash
  • OTC Cold Medication
• Paper Products
  • Paper Towels
  • Toilet Paper
  • Paper Plates
  • Paper Bowls
  • Plastic Utensils
• Household Items
  • Lightbulbs (60 and 100
  • Watt)
  • AA and AAA Batteries
  • OTC Pain Relievers
  • Petroleum Jelly
  • Can Openers
  • Nail Clippers
  • Cotton Swabs/QTips
• Toiletries
  • Hand Soap
  • Make Up Remover
  • Face Wash
  • Razors
  • Hairbrushes (Not Combs)
  • Hair Products/Shampoo/
  • Conditioner for People of Color
• Toys
  • Art Supplies
  • Legos
  • Multicultural Dolls
  • Board Games
  • Puzzles
  • Playdoh
  • Fidgets
  • Crafting Kits

"Students and parents LOVE this event," Carroll said. "We’ve already received emails and messages from families who are so excited we are doing this again this year after taking last year off because of Covid. It’s a wonderful event that brings our community together. It helps make the holidays a little brighter for all of us by being able to celebrate with the families and students we love all the while teaching the importance of giving back to your community."