El Paso High recently held its annual Toy Drive, led by Ms. Serna, who coordinated the event to bring holiday joy to students and their siblings in need. Donations were dropped off in Room 109, where the drive was running until early December, and students had until December 18 to make their donations.

The Toy Drive has asked only for new, unwrapped toys over $5. The toys were collected go to two groups: siblings of El Paso High students who are part of the school’s Angel Tree gift card activity, and Toys for Tots.

“Siblings of our students in need that receive a gift card from our Angel Tree… and Tots for Tots ]will benefit from the donations],” Ms. Serna said.

This initiative was especially meaningful for students facing challenges at home.

“[The toy drive has a] huge impact because most of the gift card recipients are students that have hardship and harsh living conditions. They will be able to give the gift card for themselves and be able to shop for their siblings in Room 109 once they get their gift cards,” Ms. Serna said

She explained that Student Council helped to wrap the presents, making the experience even more special. Students picked up the wrapped gifts at the end of the day. However, the presents also served a more practical purpose

“The students usually take their $25 given and give it to the family, so this way they can buy something for themselves,” Ms. Serna said.

Anyone at EPHS can help in future years: students, teachers, and families. This year, Spanish Honor Society was requesting toy donations on behalf of STUCO. Personal hygiene products were requested this year, a change that will continue in the future.

“The Toy Drive is open to anyone that wants to give a toy,” Ms. Serna said.

The Toy Drive is expected to continue next year, so that all students can continue to feel welcomed and happy on campus.

“That everybody has hardship and needs help sometimes and that your small donation makes a huge impact,” Ms. Serna said.