MONTICELLO, NY — Staff and students and the kids who received agreed—it was the most wonderful time of the year.

Monticello High School (MHS) and Sullivan County Head Start teamed up again for the annual toy drive. A tradition for over 40 years, the two organizations collaborate each year to purchase gifts for students enrolled in Sullivan County Head Start programs. 

Teachers at the local nonprofit kicked things off by asking their three- and four-year-old students what gifts they hoped to receive from Santa Claus. As students shared their wishes, teachers took note of what each child asked for.

When they were finished, their list totaled 80 items. The teachers then gave the list to MHS students to use on a shopping trip.

To streamline the shopping process, MHS partnered with Walmart for help finding the items the children asked for. The store also set aside registers for MHS students to check out once their shopping was complete.

Students had a budget of $20 per child, with wishes ranging from shoes to toys. 

After buying the gifts, MHS students returned to the school and got to work on wrapping. Mrs. Furman, the principal’s wife, made treats for the wrappers.

Teamwork and communication were evident throughout the day, as students worked hard to make this Christmas the most magical one yet for the children at Sullivan County Head Start. 

On December 20, the high school students and the toy drive committee made their way to Head Start to deliver the presents. The book “The Polar Express” was read to each class and at the end of the book, each student received a bell to see if they could hear it ring. 

Then it was time for the guy in the big red suit to make his debut.

Santa, accompanied by his elves, received mixed reactions from Head Start students; some were nervous and scared, some were excited, some gave high fives and sat on his lap—there were even a few tears. But those tears turned into smiles when it came time to hand out presents. 

Students received their gifts from Santa as the elves called out names one by one. Classroom floors were soon covered with wrapping paper scraps as students opened their presents. The elves then helped students take their gifts out of the boxes, and spent time playing with the children until it was time to return to the North Pole. 

As Santa and his elves said goodbye to students, he reminded them to be good, because he is always watching. Then he wished everyone a very merry Christmas.

The following day, MHS held its annual assembly to celebrate the success of this year’s toy drive. There were performances by several student musicians and various music groups, including chamber singers, the concert band and a dance company. Members of the toy drive committee also gave speeches, describing this year’s event and the positive impact on the community. 

Next, the winner of the design contest was revealed; MHS students had the opportunity to create a design for this year’s toy drive, and Zuzanna Mierzwa, with help from fellow classmate Ella Werbalowsky, drew the winning design. Then it was time for the result of the attendance competition. The winning class would receive a breakfast prepared by MHS staff members. Mr. Bolduc’s class won. 

The joy brought to the children at Sullivan County Head Start by the efforts of the MHS Toy Drive Committee illustrate what the holiday season is all about: generosity and community. When everyone works together to reach a common goal, it shows what can be achieved through teamwork and collaboration, like making the holidays extra special for those in the Monticello community.

Contributed by the Monticello Central School District.