The annual gift drive that benefits qualified Killeen ISD families is growing each year and the evidence is the overflowing tables of donated gifts.
Killeen ISD police wrapped up the Blue Santa gift drive officially on Monday during the final week before the holiday break.
The donations are still coming in and families that would like to participate in the “toy store” may contact their child’s campus.
The hundreds of toys go first to families in the Homeless Awareness and Response Program and the foster care program. Next, other families in economic disadvantaged situations may request participation.
As police officers and volunteers began stacking and sorting toys, KISD State and Federal Programs Executive Director Christianna Shinn said this is the best part of her job.
Police Chief Erik Hydorn seconded that thought. This is the fourth year the district police department has organized the drive and handled the pickup from campuses and drop-off to the soon-to-be transformed toy store.
Word is spreading of the chance to donate toys and other items to families in need and local businesses, Fort Hood units, Texas A&M University-Central Texas and more KISD school clubs and other groups are getting in on the giving.
This year Trimmier Elementary School came up with the largest donation among schools with four large bags of toys.
The 96th Transportation Company and Dollar General also brought large donations. The unit came up with four large bags of toys.
The Harker Heights High School AVID class and English classes put the Knights on top among high school contributors. The Chaparral High School National Honor Society was another major contributor.
Rancier Middle School and Live Oak Ridge Middle School made big contributions, too.
The Early College High School DECA Club donated toys and helped to sand and paint a collection of handmade wooden animals and other figures for the drive.
In addition to gifts for children, families in KISD’s HARP and foster care programs receive boxes of non-perishable food items, which many school groups contribute toward.
“When we started it was small. With more donations, we’ve been able to expand to anyone in need,” said Shinn.
“It is my favorite part of my job,” she said. “It is the best week of my year every year getting to do this. We give a whole week to take care of this and of HARP in general. The families are so appreciative. It shows what a beautiful community we have.”
The KISD police officers, she said, do more than coordinate and deliver. They dive in to help sort and anything else needed.
“I’m just thrilled we get to help out,” said Hydorn, who is a regular at the toy store events when families pick up gifts for their families.
“The officers love to be able to help students in such a tangible way this time of year.”
KISD Blue Santa photos:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/killeenisd/albums/72177720330925345