Toys for tots turns Grizzlies into secret Santas for low-income families
Photo by Marbella Ramirez
The Toy Drive fosters a spirit of joy as Mission Hills students buy presents for those in need.
December 27, 2019
During the season of holiday cheer, stress can often arise for low-income households. In order to help relieve financial worries, programs such as Toys for Tots help families in need by giving toys to children whose parents cannot afford them. From Nov. 18 to Dec. 13, ASB hosted their annual toy drive and gave students the opportunity to give back to those in need.
“By taking part in the toy drive, you would be giving hope to these children and helping out their parents financially this holiday season,” Chloe Myers (11) said.
Students participated in the toy drive by taking a tag from the giving tree in front of the ASB room. The tag prompted the receiver to buy a personalized gift for either a kid or a teen. Along with toys, students were able to donate reusable water bottles or thermoses to the increasing homeless population.
“It’s important to give back to those in need, especially during the holidays where we celebrate the spirit of giving. By giving back we help awaken a sense of compassion in others and create a stronger community,” Myers said.
Each tag from the giving tree had the gender and age of either the kid or teen which allowed students to buy a gift personalized for them. Clothes and toys could be purchased as a gift as long as it fell within the appropriate age range.
“It’s important to give back because everyone deserves a little happiness, even just for a moment. These memories last a lifetime, even if it’s just as little as opening a gift,” Carmen Lita (12) said.
After purchasing a gift, students dropped it off in the ASB room for it to be wrapped. Many students who participated in years prior or participated this year expressed gratitude for being able to spread holiday cheer to children and families.
“I’ve been participating for the past three years, and I absolutely love it because it allows me to give back to the community while celebrating what the holidays are all about,” Isaac Tabares (11) said.
Students who participated in the toy drive spread joy to those in need by giving both material goods and cheer to low-income families.
