Welcome to the season of giving! The giving season is now in full swing and we are seeing parents clear off the shelves at toy stores to be able to give their children what they wish for. Maybe a new iPad, Barbie Doll, remote control car, drones or money and gift cards as they get older. But we also have to keep in mind the parents who are unable to give their children all that their hyperactive imagination wishes for.

One thing is certain though, here at Channel Islands High School, we celebrate the giving season for those who can’t afford the latest toy. The annual toy drive is now rolling in and California Scholarship Federation (CSF) and ASB have taken this year’s toy drive into their own hands. For the 2022 holiday season both programs have collaborated to be able to host this year’s toy drive.
CSF’s very own Co-Presidents, Dineh Barragan and Zaide Pasion, have described that toy drive as a way to be able to feel united as a community and help those that do not have the same opportunities. Co-President of CSF also mentions that this toy drive is a great way to earn community service hours to be able to put on college applications. 

Although, both sides of the program feel that the giving is the best part of the holidays. Barragan, mentions how the toy drive brings light to families that can only afford the necessities and how the toys donated “can help make lasting memories.”

Both Presidents of CSF have stated that while on the outside, people see children playing with colorful blocks or cars, on the inside, the donated toys are an amazing way for children’s imagination to grow. Pasion states that these toys will bring “happiness and comfort to other children.”

The holiday season has many different types of meaning to many different people. Some might say, gifts, money, family or friends. Channel Islands High School’s ASB Overall Publicist, Iris Rubidoux, explains that the holiday season is a time to be able to “bring everyone in a community together.” She hopes that with this collaborated toy drive, she is able to unite Channel Islands High School in the season of giving.

“Everyone deserves happiness and I really hope the toy drive was successful in this” she exclaimed when asked about the benefits of this toy drive. 

The toy drive is also collaborating with a non-profit organization, “I’m a Kid Who Can.” Along with Xtreme Entertainment, Future Leaders of America, the Marines Toys for Tots, and The Fund for Oxnard, Inc. 

Whether it be a few dollars or a brand new toy, all of these leaders have made it clear that even the littlest of donations can greatly impact a life this holiday season.