Before the break, the holiday spirit was in full swing in Marietta, Georgia. School leaders at Fair Oaks Elementary hosted a very successful Tots and Teens Toy Drive event on Saturday, December 11.
Lots of toys, winter gear, and gift cards were provided to families in the Fair Oaks community and beyond. Smiles were everywhere, just like the holiday cheer that spread through the school. Gifts were both given and received as entire families got in on the action. Fair Oaks principal Cathie Seibert said she hoped the event helped everyone have a great holiday experience.
This was no ordinary toy drive event. Parents shopped for children, but students also shopped for parents! The cafeteria was filled with gifts that children could choose for parents, while parents hand-picked gifts for their students in the school's media center. After selecting their items, students wrapped and adorned them with festive bows, ready to exchange with parents.
While many were involved in the drive and contributed to its success, three individuals ensured that gifts were plentiful. Dr. Cindy Szwec helped organize a diaper drive at King Springs Elementary. East Side Elementary provided well over a hundred families with presents and gift cards thanks to the efforts of Maria Clark. Cobb's Social Work Supervisor, Ana Murphy, coordinated with the tech department for a toy drive for all ages.
The number of items donated was simply incredible. It showed just how generous local communities in Cobb could be when given the opportunity. More than 1500 gifts and 345 athletic balls were donated to the toy drive, but that was only the beginning. So much more was made available to ensure that parents and children alike had everything they needed, including:
• 276 gift cards for groceries
• 75 cases of diapers
• 36 bottles of formula
• 126 cases of baby wipes
"Wow. Wow. Wow!" said Principal Seibert after the event. "This is just another example of One Team, One Goal, Student Success. Thank you to everyone for your amazing support!"
