The holiday season can be a stressful time of year for many people, especially families of various shapes and sizes. Our world has become enthralled by the hyper-commercialization during a season of giving and good tidings and that can put many families struggling to make ends meet in a real pinch when it comes to buying presents. However, there was some relief on many parents’ faces during the Toys for Tots Drive in the early hours of December 14.
It was an icy morning as road conditions were sleek and the wind was howling, but that didn’t stop hundreds of those in need from standing in lines that wrapped around the block at the Mankato Armory off MLK Drive. The Mankato Marine Corps Reserve has been a key organizer of the yearly event over the past 14 years or so while school districts like St. Clair participated in the gathering of the donations and the distribution to those in need of some presents to put underneath the tree.
St. Clair has had resounding success with Toys for Tots over the years as they raised $3,591 dollars and collected 848 toys in 2023 and boasted a lofty goal of 1500 donations for 2024. Toys for Tots has been a yearly tradition at St. Clair for many years and it serves as a service project for the junior class. One of the advisors, Carrie Altomari, has helped the junior class organize the event, accept donations and toys, and keep them motivated throughout the three-week timeframe of the project. Donation boxes were held at several key locations around St. Clair like the BP gas station, St. Clair Bank, and City Hall, and it’s reported the district was able to surpass its 1500 goal with a grand total of 1,898 donations. Altomari, beamed with pride in the class’ achievement but thanked a supportive community for making it possible, “It’s a challenging milestone to reach, but the students, staff, and community are so generous with giving back each and every year…it was another great for St. Clair and this will help so many families during this holiday season.” The district used to compete against neighboring schools for Toys For Tots, but now it’s a friendly competition amongst the 7-12 grade levels with the winning grade receiving a breakfast provided by the St. Clair Student Council. Hope they know how to poach an egg. If the 1,500 goal is met, the entire 7-12 student body will enjoy a “Fun Day” before winter break for the hard work.
While the lines extended far past the front door on a chilly Saturday morning, inside the Armory was just as chaotic as the front of the house operated like a DMV as those receiving the donations had to register online, fill out an order sheet, and then would receive a raffle ticket of sorts with a number on it. On a table on the opposing wall, a row of well-crafted wooden creations were offered to patrons free-of-charge and the craftsmanship of several pieces like a tractor, a dump truck, and even an airplane caught the attention of many who walked by…even me. It was also reported that a dozen or so bicycles were donated by some local Kia and Hyundai dealerships although the sidewalks would be a bit too slippery to use them the same day.
One of the volunteers has been part of the Toys for Tots Drive for nearly two decades, and he voiced how this time of year is one he looks forward to, “It means a lot for this community that so many are willing to give back to those less fortunate; Christmas is about giving back to the people you care about, and this event has helped spread a lot of joy and cheer over the years.”
On the other end of the process, Paige St. Peter and a fellow classmate were the “auctioneers” of a sort as they announced ticket numbers and the recipient would receive a sack filled with toys; St. Peter seemed to embrace the Santa Clausian demeanor that came with her role as she wore a big smile on her face as she handed each recipient the donated toys. There was certainly a heartwarming aspect as some recipients felt relief wash over them when they received their orders as if the holiday season just got a little less stressful for them.
The front of the house had its fair share of chaos, but it was no way compared to the bedlam in the back room as assorted piles of toys, board games, sports gear, books, stuffed animals, makeup, and so much more were scattered about the warehouse portion of the Armory. There was some organization involved as items were divided into age groups for boys and girls, but every now and then you would see a Hello Kitty backpack in the same place as a miniature basketball hoop. Familiar faces in Brooklin Hinze, Aubree Mathiowetz, Brynn Hansen, Braxton Breezee, Brooklyn Meng, Meg Young, and others for the junior class were all present as they would fill out the order sheets given to them. Mathiowetz and Breezee worked on their first order of the day which had them hunt down art supplies for a nine year old girl; there would be a small pile of art supplies nearby, but the pickings were slim for the two juniors, but they were able to scrounge up enough to complete the order and they would pass the sack onto St. Peter before moving on to their next order.
It was a madhouse of disorganized efficiency as St. Clair’s juniors sorted through the stacks of donations on these tables…Meng attempted to remove a board game from a particular pile, but she didn’t realize how unstable the stack was until it all came crashing down next to her. It was a moment of surprise for the junior, but she laughed it off as she placed the items back onto the table. One order had Hansen and Hinze divide and conquer to complete an order for two 10 year old boys; the former sought out Superhero books for one child while Hinze looked for some sporting goods for the other. She came across an at-home basketball hoop that would glow in the dark, which had her wishing she “had one for myself” but she would place the toy in the sack…much to her chagrin.
It was another successful Toys for Tots Drive for St. Clair and the juniors all seemed to take a lot of joy in completing the orders as they all played a pivotal role in spreading some much needed holiday cheer. A miraculous display of generosity and kindness from the community helped the district achieve its lofty goal of 1500 donations–almost double from last year–and it will be exciting to learn how much more this small district can give back to those in need.
