Homestead’s participation in the 2018 Kapco Kids2Kids toy drive has allowed for yet another holiday season of giving within the community. Organized by the Homestead Student Council, this year’s toy drive raised over $1000 as well as hundreds of new toys not only to ensure that every child has a memorable holiday, but to also teach those who are able the spirit of giving.

Kapco’s emphasis of the toy drive has been “teaching kids the spirit of giving and ensuring that every kid has a memorable holiday.”

According to Dawn Pfaff,student council advisor, this year’s toy drive has done just that. “I hope students have a sense of awe and wonder,” she said.  “When I look at the guidance office and see the mountain of toys that our students contributed, I have great hope for the future.  We can accomplish great things when we work together as a community.”

Students involved in planning  have seen their goal of helping make children’s holiday season merry and bright. From beginning the planning process months in advance, to organizing and brainstorming effective advertising strategies for the fundraiser, the student council has made every effort toward seeing their goal through.

Kimmy Hartlieb, senior, has been involved in the planning process as a member of student council and has seen the impact of her work as a part of this team. Hartlieb said, “I really feel the student body realizes the impact they’ve made on these children’s lives this holiday season and how much joy giving can bring.”

Jake Brink, senior, was also involved in every aspect of the fundraiser and has seen his work pay off. Brink said, “I enjoyed the brainstorming process and finding new ways to make the toy drive different from past years.”

“Our student council kids do so much behind the scenes. “We started meeting at the beginning of November to plan and prepare for the toy drive. The Executive Board works with our younger students to show them how to organize, make posters, plan events and communicate with administration and our PTSO. The life skills that each student council member learn is so beneficial,” Pfaff said.