Toys for Tots collects 23,000 toys, $30,000

Thousands of people attended Mansfield ISD’s 12th annual Toys for Tots community-wide toy collection and holiday event Nov. 30 at the Dr. Jim Vaszauskas Center for the Performing Arts. The community outpouring of holiday spirit resulted in a collection of 23,000 toys and $30,000 in cash donations with more expected to come in before Christmas. Families enjoyed an evening filled with student performances and fun activities including a sledding hill, games and visits with Santa.  

The annual celebration wouldn’t be possible without the collaboration of district departments, campuses and community sponsors. Beginning in November, students and staff collected new, unwrapped toys. MISD’s campuses and departments compete for bragging rights on who collected the most toys. Brenda Norwood Elementary won the elementary school competition, Donna Shepard Leadership Academy won for intermediate schools, Linda Jobe was the first-place middle school, Lake Ridge High School outpaced the other high schools and Transportation was the winning department.

A portion of the Center for the Performing Arts has been transformed into a North Pole VIP shopping experience for district families who have been selected to receive a donation. Parents and guardians who applied for the program and were selected can visit and choose a special toy for their child.  

“The entire Toys for Tots experience illustrates that we are truly Stronger Together,” said MISD Superintendent Kimberley Cantu. “We are collaborating at every level to make sure our families in need are taken care of and feel seen.”  

Toys will be collected at MISD campuses and facilities until Dec. 19. The Mansfield Toys for Tots organization will collect toys until Dec. 23, and monetary donations are accepted year-round. For more information about how to donate or request a toy, visit the Mansfield TX Toys for Tots Campaign webpage.