To spread holiday job, the students in the Future Farmers of America organization hosted a stuffed animal toy drive to benefit Cook Children’s Hospital which ended Monday, Dec. 16.
Students were encouraged to donate new stuffed animals ag teacher Sophia Yanis’ in time for holiday season.
“It will really brighten the kid’s days over Christmas,” Yantis said. “So far we have about 35 stuffed animals ready to send to the hospital.”
Although it takes courage to host the drive, it takes about as much to donate.
“I was motivated to donate because I wanted to help out members of the community,” senior Garrett Hoff said. “The donation can help unite the school around a common cause. For anyone debating donating, I would say donate now, because it’s a simple way to help someone.”
This is the first stuffed animal drive hosted by FFA, and students said they hope to continue this next year. Aside from donors and hosts, the drive also impacts the general student body.
“The drive makes me feel enlightened and heart warmed,” freshman Jameson Moore said. “I am super glad the school is hosting a stuffed animal drive.”
Senior FFA Officer Ashlyn Leyva shares her experience of donating, and the importance of it.
“I was able to lead by example and encourage others to donate. During the holidays I think we get caught up in making wish lists and focusing on ourselves, and we fail to think about children like the ones that we are donating to and the fact that they are going to be spending Christmas in a hospital bed,” Levya said. “Being an FFA officer I knew about this event that we planned out back in August. I wanted to participate because it provided me with a chance to focus more on giving rather than receiving during the holidays.”
The drive ends on the 16th, but some donations directly afterward could be accepted.
“Right now our FFA volunteers are handling the drive, but anyone in the community is welcome to participate,” Yantis said. “Any donations can be brought to either the ag building or my classroom, [Room] 1162.”
