This December, Holiday spirit fills John Dewey High School as students and staff launch their annual “Toys For Tots” donation campaign.
John Dewey High School’s annual Toys for Tots event aims to bring together students, staff, and families to donate brand new toys for families facing hardships this holiday. Organized by National Honor Society, staff, and local volunteers- the drive makes a huge impact.
The event will run from now through December 15 with a donation drop off box in front of the dean’s office.
“Having people learn about the event and spreading awareness is the hardest part of the campaign,” says executive director and Social Studies Assistant Principal, Ms.Rosenblum. “We get a lot of toys for elementary school kids but we need more trendy items for the older ones. We also need toys for very young toddlers.”
The Christmas holidays are filled with spirit and it’s a favorite to most children who celebrate- however, Christmas celebrations can be pricey. Millions of low-income families face challenges with holiday expenses and food insecurity. This event gives back to the community and those in need.
The “Toys for Tots” event began as a program by the Marines to hand out toys to children in need. They handed out five thousand toys in 1947. Seeing such successful community engagement, the program became nationally recognized and expanded.
The ‘Toys for Tots’ event not only gives back to the community but it boosts student participation in extracurricular activities. School isn’t restricted to math and science, there are many fun activities that go on. The National Honors Society is a program led by Ms. Rosenblum that has students help set the event up. Students can learn a lesson about the gift of giving and be more aware of their communities.
“I am donating school supplies or artistic supplies for students in need,” says sophomore Polina Bozhynska, a National Honors Society member. NHS members are significant because they are required to donate a toy. It inspires others to donate as well. “Ms.Simonsen usually sets a lot of the stuff up then we students help decorate rooms during the event and host activities” says Bozhynska.
Beyond the toys, students and staff organize festive activities to compliment the Toys for Tots initiative, such as the Winter Family Celebration. Hosted on our main campus, there are activities such as a Hot Cocoa & Cookie Station, and a Santa photo booth.
Parents and residents are also encouraged to participate, making the drive and the holiday season a school-wide and community affair.
As the holiday season approaches, John Dewey High School continues to set an inspiring example of generosity, teamwork, and community spirit reminding everyone that the true gift of the holidays is giving.
By the end of the campaign, the hope is to surpass previous years’ donations and ensure that every child, regardless of their family’s financial situation, experiences the joy of the holidays. “It’s amazing to see our school and community come together. Even small donations make a huge difference,” says Ms. Rosenblum.