A tricycle. A doll. A book wrapped in red paper. For many children, these gifts are more than toys, they’re a rare moment of joy in a season where they often go without.
This year, National Honor Society (NHS) will be running a holiday toy drive to allow kids in need to receive presents during the holidays. All gifts donated will go to various charities in the community.
“Our goal is to help distribute gifts to disadvantaged children who don’t get the same opportunity to receive gifts that we do,” NHS Co-President senior Sutton Stock said.
NHS has been doing a holiday toy drive for years, in addition to the other service opportunities they provide, like making cards for veterans and hosting a yearly food drive. The goal is to help students connect with their community, and to teach students the importance of giving back.
“There are four National Honors Society pillars, leadership, character, service, and academics,” Science teacher and the teacher sponsor for NHS, Meredith Townsend said. “Our goal is always to imbed those ideas into students.”
NHS also highlights leadership and teaches students how to plan, organize and carry out a project. All volunteer opportunities are led by the NHS student leadership.
“Each officer has a service project that they have to do or they help run. So far we’ve already planned so many cool things and carried them out so successfully,” NHS Co-President senior Ava Benbow said.
The toy drive is partnering with multiple organizations in order to distribute gifts throughout Dallas. While the NHS is running the drive, the different organizations will choose where the gifts are distributed.
“We are collaborating with Community Partners of Dallas supporting abused and neglected children in the Dallas area, providing them with much-needed holiday joy,” NHS treasurer senior Allie Vandermosten said.
The toy drive will have a meaningful impact on students who donate, encouraging participants to reflect on how to create an impact this holiday season.
“I think the toy drive will be a good opportunity for people to put some thought into a gift for a kid and go beyond just buying something for the requirements, but instead putting thought into how they can give back,” Benbow said.
Playing with toys encourages creative thinking and imagination in children. This service opportunity could also be an educational opportunity, not just for students but also the children receiving their gifts.
“It really comes down to service and what the goal is, like helping others and doing good things in our community and doing great things school wide,” Sutton said.
To help with the toy drive, NHS is accepting gift donations starting from November 18th. To encourage more community participation, students are increasing their marketing efforts in hopes of reaching a broader audience.
“We will be advertising [the toy drive] using Instagram, and then it’ll also be announced over the announcements,” Benbow said.
Anyone can donate, not just NHS members. Drop-off bins will be located in the student entrance and toys for all ages are welcome.
“This is an opportunity for students to make a real difference in the lives of children facing challenging circumstances, offering hope and support during the holiday season,” Vandermosten said.
