30 / matters magazine / holiday 2018 K aren Weiland is seated at a spot- less conference table. On the wall behind her, geometric shapes bursting with color form a series of neatly-framed collages. The at- mosphere feels creative, tranquil and minimalist. Weiland’s calm and gracious personality sets the tone for a room that has been assisting local families for more than two decades. Welcome to the Parenting Center of the South Orange and Maplewood School District. Founded by Weiland, the center provides an amalgam of resources to assist elementary school families throughout the district. “This is the table we always meet around,” Weiland says. “I have a won- derful group of volunteers. We meet once a month and dream and imagine together all the different ways we can support families and kids.” The center hosts speakers, provides support groups and customizes its programs to target the specific needs of parents and students alike. “We give people information, knowledge and access to the best thinking and writing about parenting and family issues,” Weiland says. Marilu Gregory, the center’s co-chair, works in collaboration with Wei- land throughout the year. While the Parenting Center may be hushed on this mid-October morning, the energy will soon shift into the toy drive’s flurry of preparation, orga- nization and community collaboration. In mid-De- cember, the Parenting Center will begin delivering gifts to South Orange and Maplewood households in need. Weiland estimates that the drive now assists 165 elementary school families per year. “Our idea is that on Christmas morning or on Hanukkah, or Not Just Another Toy Story The Parenting Center’s annual toy drive gives and teaches generosity BY DONNY LEVIT