The program, officially named the Catholic Charities “Celebration of Giving” Christmas Toy Drive, harnesses the energy of students, staff, and the wider community. After years of focusing on sponsorships via Amazon wish lists, organizers sought to foster not only a call to give, but to understand, accompany, and serve with compassion and empathy..
This year, students and staff from Carmel Catholic provided bilingual support during the charity’s intake process, helping families create personalized wish lists, recognizing that generosity is most meaningful when it honors the dignity and the stories of those we serve.
“Meeting the recipients and hearing their stories made it real for our students,” said Lois Poulos, program coordinator. “It reinforced why we do this work.”
To broaden the drive’s reach, the school opened participation to advisories, departments, and individuals, resulting in the sponsorship of 63 families, benefiting more than 250 children.
Additionally, a toy drive was launched, kicking off at the recent football game vs. Fenwick, where students, parents, and community members donated new, unwrapped toys, filling bins and sparking friendly competition to fill the school’s health conference room with gifts destined for the charitable warehouse.
“We want our students to see the impact of their generosity first-hand,” Lois continued. “From small art kits to bicycles, every donation matters, and we encourage our whole student body to get involved.”
The culmination of the drive will be celebrated at the all-school Mass on Tuesday, November 25, where prayers and gratitude will be offered for the recipient families. Afterwards, Catholic Charities will collect donations, which range from toys to wrapping paper, ensuring families have everything they need for a joyful holiday experience.
“We’ve moved from a ‘transactional Christmas’ to a ‘big hearts Christmas,’” Lois said. “Instead of simply making a difference, we are being made different in solidarity with our sisters and brothers in Lake County.”
For more information on ways to support this holiday’s toy drive, please reach out to Lois Poulos via [email protected].