(Queen Creek, Arizona) –  During the month of December, the Queen Creek Unified School District worked hard to ensure the holidays are a bit merrier for families in need. QCUSD schools and departments collected toys for “adopted” families and non-profit organizations. Toy collections filled offices, classrooms even hallways.

At Frances Brandon Pickett Elementary, third grade teacher Tammy Skon asked her students to donate toys to the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots program instead of doing a gift exchange. Mrs. Skon and her students have turned this service project into a yearly tradition. The toy pick up was just as exciting as the collection; Marines in uniform visited the classroom to thank the students for their generosity.

At Newell Barney Middle School, the Robotics Club spearheaded a toy collection. All the gifts gathered went to Arizona Helping Hands which provides beds, cribs, diapers, clothing and holiday toys to boys and girls in foster care. The class that collected the most toys earned a Cookie Party!

Over at the Queen Creek Unified Family Resource Center, staff and volunteers registered 189 families for the “Adopt a Family” program. More than 400 children received toys and clothing thanks to a handful of community sponsors. The kindness and support of QCUSD students and staff has certainly made the holidays merry and bright for many deserving families across Queen Creek and the Valley.