Toys for Tots is a foundation with the purpose to collect presents during Christmas time and allocate them to children who aren’t fortunate enough to possess such gifts. The nationwide corporation branches out to multiple local charities with the main goal to provide for those who need it the most.

The St. X community has been inspired to connect with this organization for a collection of their own. Current St. X senior, Patrick Masterson (’24), and his cousins, Gus (’22) and Alex Masterson (’23), began a Christmas toy drive in 2020, with the help of St. X students and faculty, including Mr. Kresse and President Colistra. They strived to collect items for teens and pre-teens, accumulating 900 total toys throughout their neighborhoods and school communities.

The drive continued to thrive for the next two years. In 2022, the Masterson family expanded their helping hands as Patrick’s classmate Griffin Mattingly (’24) joined the staff. They successfully gathered more than 700 total gifts during their third annual collection.

The Christmas festivities will continue this season as the Fourth Annual Toys for Tots Toy Drive will reappear on Poplar Level Road. From Dec. 4-8, students are encouraged to bring gifts into the Sterne Gym each morning for teens and pre-teens. A community-wide drive will take place on Sunday, Dec. 10 at the St. X circle from 1:00-3:00 p.m.

All are encouraged to bring wrapped gifts to support the less fortunate as we strive to provide for them. Suggested gifts include toiletries, perfume sets, packaged basketballs, headphones, tablets, action figures, legos, and remote controlled race cars. Please be mindful that these gifts are for middle school and high school aged children since they are not thought of as much for donations compared to younger children. Feel free to stop by the St. X campus to drop off gifts for this cause, as you can be the difference maker for people in need during this holiday season.