In a heartwarming effort to support local families and young performers in need, the Aylus Morris Branch partnered with the New Jersey Youth Symphony (NJYS) to organize a community collection drive for performance dresses and shoes. Leading up to October 29, Aylus Morris Branch members actively gathered donations from neighborhood residents, encouraging the community to give their gently used concert attire a second life.
The response was thoughtful and generous. Members collected 14 performance dresses and 6 pairs of performance shoes, reflecting the community’s shared commitment to helping young musicians pursue their passion regardless of financial circumstances. After collecting the donations, Aylus volunteers dedicated time to clean and carefully iron each dress, ensuring every item was in excellent condition for its next owner.
On October 29 at 6 p.m., the Aylus Morris team delivered all items to NJYS, where they were warmly received for distribution to students and families in need. The donated performance attire will help ease the burden on young musicians who may not have access to the proper clothing required for recitals and concerts—allowing them to perform with confidence and pride.
This collaboration between Aylus Morris Branch and NJYS beautifully showcases the spirit of youth-led community service. By combining their enthusiasm for helping others with a deep appreciation for the arts, Aylus members demonstrated how small, thoughtful actions can create meaningful change. The successful drive not only provided tangible support but also strengthened community bonds, reminding everyone that generosity and teamwork can help every young performer shine on stage.
Volunteers:
2 hours: Xiang Li, Kelly Nie, Han Li, Shirley Nie, Ivy Bai
1 hour post design and drawing: Kelly Nie
Advisors:
Xue Gu
Linna Wang