Summit participated in the season of giving by collecting toys for the MISD Toys for Tots annual holiday drive. The drive is dedicated to making countless children’s holiday better, along with giving students the opportunity to engage in something beyond themselves. Family and consumer science teacher Ms. Lisa Hollinger appreciates and encouraged students to participate in the drive.

“I believe the more you give, the more you receive in the future,” Hollinger said. “Not meaning tangible items, but the overall of warmth in the heart.”

It can be difficult for students to give back to their community no matter how much they might want to. Students have a lot on their plate as it is. Along with so many other school events and announcements being shared, it can be difficult to find out additional information. That’s why the school gave students rewards for their contributions.

“TAFE members try to encourage others by decorating the hallways, and incentives like reducing cost on ID’s,” Hollinger said. “But I feel our students are struggling to make ends meet in their own homes, even though they WANT to donate, they can’t. I also believe that IF the schools held on to the school community donated and the students were able to fill out a form that they would like to give to their brothers and sisters, then they could wrap the gifts and give them to their families, I truly believe more would be provided.”

Along with information being shared, there is a clear message the drive sends. A significant importance, a reason.

“I believe this drive gives hope to those who may be the recipient of those gifts during the Christmas holiday,” Hollinger said. “The goal is to help others while getting recognized by MISD on what school donated the most. I am not sure what the number they were going for this year, but one toy will make a difference. Every toy counts.”

In the end, the Toys for Tots drive collected over 22,000 toys and raised $7,500 on Dec. 4 from 5 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. at the MISD Center for the Performing Arts. The event was open to the public and included fun activities, food, and student performances. There was even a mascot race which the school’s mascot won for the second consecutive year and represented Summit on Fox 4 News.