Preschoolers give to animal shelter each holiday season

Children at the Oak Tree Village Nursery School in the Parlin section of Sayreville have made a December tradition to help needy animals.

SAYREVILLE - For five years now, when Denise Cutrona puts up decorations for her nursery school class the day after Thanksgiving, the children know what's next.

Time to help cats and dogs in need.

The annual collection for Sayrebrook Animal Shelter in Parlin ran through Dec. 21, the last day of school before vacation at Oak Tree Village Nursery School.

"Yes, they are excited about receiving gifts from Santa, but collecting for the shelter, where the cats, dogs and other animals will spend their holidays, is something very close to our hearts," said Cutrona, known as "Miss Denise" to her students. "When these children bring food, toys, blankets, etc., to the school for the collection box, they are so excited."

The class had a banner year this year for the shelter, thanks to the parents and the caring children.

"You see, the lesson here is that giving is even more important as receiving, especially when it's for such a good cause," Cutrona said. "There is absolutely nothing like seeing the holiday through the eyes of our children, and … all of us at Oak Tree Village Nursery School are so very proud of all of them."