This holiday season, SkillsUSA and HOSA, in collaboration with NHS, NTHS, NSHS, Key Club, and JROTC have organized a toy drive to collect and distribute gifts to children in hospitals, shelters, and throughout the community.
This toy drive aims to support children who may be spending the holidays in hospitals or facing difficult situations by providing gifts that will bring them happiness. All donations will be distributed to hospitals, shelters, and throughout the community to bring joy to children in need. 
“I have the opportunity to make sure that every child, or at least as many children as I can, get what they want,” said the SkillsUSA advisor, Mr. Kalloo. His words reflect the mission of the drive: to make sure every child feels cared for this holiday season.
Students played a major role in promoting the drive. Khushmeet Kaur, HOSA historian, has seen the toy drive’s success over the years and understands the impact it has on children. “Being in the hospital can get boring and tiring, so even a small gift can cheer kids up,” she said. “I just want them to have something fun to look forward to, and it feels good knowing the nurses even save extra toys for birthdays or special moments.”
Khushmeet shared the broader impact of the drive. Beyond giving presents, it offers children encouragement and hope during a challenging time.
“I hope this toy makes you smile and gives you something fun to enjoy. You deserve that,” Khushmeet said.
Staff members echoed similar sentiments emphasizing the value of giving and showing kindness to others.
“Donating is the right thing to do, because people do good things for us and we do it back, build humanity and empathy,” Ms. Petroutsos said. Her message to the children receiving gifts from the drive this year, “I admire your strength and resilience,” Ms. Petroutsos said.
Mr. Kalloo reflected on his own childhood experiences, saying “As a child, I was always happy when I received a new toy. Then, to be honest, growing up my parents were pretty much new to the country, so we didn’t really get as much as we wanted. My brother and I always had to share.” Mr Kalloo sees the toy drive as a way to bring joy to those in need but also carry forward the spirit of giving and kindness into their own lives.
“I hope that this toy brought you some sort of happiness this holiday season and I hope that you will do the same for others one day,” Mr.Kalloo said.
