In an effort to provide children in need with toys for Christmas, the district will be hosting their fifth annual toy drive and community event, Toys for Tots, in the MISD Performing Arts Center on Dec. 6.

“It will be a great way to kick off the Christmas season with an attitude of giving,” teacher Bonnie Murray said. “There will be fun activities for families, and we will see how many Toys for Tots our district contributed as a whole.”

There will be photos with Santa, a train, pony rides, holiday crafts and games.

“I chose (to donate) Barbie dolls because, as a child, I remember the joy and sense of wonder they would bring me,” junior Olivia Starks said.

Tomorrow’s event will start with a parade at 5 p.m. and end at 10:30 p.m.

“Even something as little as a toy can spark something to change the future for the better,” Starks said. “I’m most excited to see all my peers and the community coming together for such an amazing cause.”

New and unwrapped toys will still be accepted.

“(Donating brings us) together as a community in a spirit of generosity to show the impact we can have when everyone gives a little,” Murray said.

The school’s goal is 1,300 toys.

“I am donating a toy that I never had as a kid so they can experience what I have never had,” senior Justin Nguyen said.

Gifts were accepted at school until Dec. 4.

“Our community and world has many needs, and just one person acting to meet a need makes a difference,” Murray said. “When we focus on giving rather than receiving, we are using our talents and blessings in a way that brings joy to others and then to ourselves.”

The grade level with the most donations will win points for HOG Week.

“(The event) is a reminder of the blessings we have, whether small or large,” Murray said. “We are blessed so that we can bless others and this is the perfect opportunity to do this.”