Academy Students Donate Toys

For the past eight years, Academy students have volunteered their time to distribute toys and stuffed animals they have donated to the children who attend the Christmas Distribution at the food pantry in Xenia, Ohio.  In 2001, students began going to the food pantry at Christmas time to help distribute food and carrying bags for the elderly.  They saw that the center was also distributing toys to children who came with their parents. The smiles on their faces were precious, knowing they were about to receive a a stuffed animal.  But then the worst thing that could happen did happen.  They toys and stuffed animals ran out.  The smiles on the faces of the kids in line quickly turned to frowns and tears.  It was from this point on that the Academy staff and students began collecting toys and stuffed animals to make sure that all kids who attended would have a gift.

Last year, students collected over 1200 items to distribute and they were able to service every child that attended that day. Beginning in November this year, students at the Academy began a toy and stuffed animal drive. Teacher Becky Eakins and her students stockpiled toys and stuffed animals donated by individuals, businesses, and other groups, according to the Xenia Gazette. One student even donated his Nintendo GameCube video game system.  

This year students distributed gifts on December 21st. A student was asked why she participated in this program and her comment back was, "to help others and to make my heart feel good."

Anyone who would like to contribute toys for next year's toy drive is asked to contact Becky Eakins at the Academy, 937 372-4057.