A holiday tradition rooted in service and generosity once again made an impact at Evergreen Park Community High School, 9901 S. Kedzie Ave., where students collected hundreds of toys to brighten the season for children in need.
Members of the school’s National Honor Society wrapped up their annual Toys for Tots drive earlier this month, gathering more than 300 toys during the first two weeks of December. The donations will be distributed to families throughout Evergreen Park and Worth Township.
“During the holiday season we know that a great deal is asked for, and we are proud to say that our Mustang Nation gave back,” said Ben Nesler, EPCHS department chair for social studies and business/technology and the NHS faculty sponsor. “This year, there will be hundreds of children with toys under the tree thanks to the students and faculty of Evergreen Park High School.”
The drive has become a fixture at EPCHS, with students and staff rallying each year to support the national program that provides toys to children whose families may be struggling during the holidays. Collection boxes placed throughout the school quickly filled with dolls, games, action figures and other gifts.
This year’s effort received an added boost from the EPCHS boys baseball team, which contributed toys collected through its own holiday event.
“NHS would like to thank the EP boys baseball team and Coach Andrew Massey for a large contribution to our effort from their own holiday event,” Nesler said.
For students involved, the drive offered a meaningful opportunity to give back to the surrounding community while reinforcing the school’s emphasis on service and leadership. As the toys are delivered to local families, organizers said the generosity shown inside the halls at 9901 S. Kedzie Ave. will help make the holiday season brighter for many children.