Local business plays ‘Santa'

WARWICK — The idea was to ask people to contribute costume jewelry that they no longer used but which could turn into “Mature gifts for mature ladies.” Moshe Schwartzberg, his wife Doris, and daughters Sarah Priest and Amy Fotino at Forever Jewelers, are no strangers to community service, especially during the holiday season. In the past, they have been instrumental in such community events as the placement of Santa’s Sleigh in Warwick’s Railroad Green, and the menorah lighting on the first night of Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights. Earlier this fall, Priest advertised that Forever Jewelers was looking for baubles and beads. Members of the community were asked to donate “old treasures” of costume jewelry. The jewelry store would then clean, box and wrap the donations, and deliver them to residents at Schervier Pavilion. “The response was overwhelming,” said Priest. “And we were thrilled to be able to hand out these gifts.” On Thursday, Dec. 22, Doris Schwartzberg, daughters Priest and Fotino, with Fotino’s children Nicholas, 6, and Joey, 3, arrived at Schervier Pavilion, their arms filled with gifts. It was perfect timing. The residents were gathered for the annual holiday party, amid refreshments, a visit from Santa and live musical entertainment. The family joined Santa in handing out the jewelry gifts. “But these are not our gifts,” insisted Priest, “They are gifts from the people who responded to our request.” Additional information about Bon Secours’ Warwick campus of Schervier Pavilion, Mount Alverno Center, Day-At-A-Time, and St. Anthony Community Hospital is available at www.StAnthonyCommunityHosp.org.