The Latino Club in St. John Vianney High School, Holmdel, collected items for the Ronald McDonald House in Long Branch. The club collected items such as laundry detergent, diapers, and other toiletries.

The club started the collection following the experience of Alisa Guzman, a senior in SJV and Latino Club president. Guzman’s nephew was born prematurely, weighing only one pound, 10 ounces. The Ronald McDonald house provided her nephew and his parents a place to live for four months until he was strong enough to go home.

“Besides a home, they provided comfort and a loving environment for my whole family. It is always a pleasure to have any contact with the Ronald McDonald House,” Guzman said.

Guzman said she reached out to SJV alum Kathryn Billon Materese who is the house manager at the Ronald McDonald House. Materese helped Guzman’s family during their stay with the organization.

Guzman said she joined the Latino club as an opportunity to learn more about her Latino culture, while being able to coordinate fundraisers for those less fortunate.

Senior and club vice president Lydia Vera, added that she “ joined the Latino Club because I feel like I can connect with other Latinos, and enjoy my culture and learn about it.”

“Working with the Ronald McDonald house was great because it felt good to help out people who need it the most; it feels amazing that we got so many items for the organization.”

The Latino Club will deliver the collection of items to the Ronald McDonald House Nov. 25.