Chicago High Schools Unite for 4th Annual Toy Drive Trolley

The spirit of generosity filled the air on December 7, 2023, as several high schools in the Chicago area participated in the 4th annual CBS News Chicago toy drive trolley. This initiative brought together students to collect Christmas gifts for those in need, embodying the true essence of the holiday season.

At Saint Viator High School in Arlington Heights, the halls transformed into a vibrant scene filled with students and approximately 1,000 toys. The event showcased not just school spirit, but a profound commitment to community support. Senior Kayli Burke expressed this sentiment: “We all just want what is best for each other. And we are just here to support each other because we’re just filled with Christ, and we just love each other.”

As the trolley made its way to the school, it quickly filled with the donations, highlighting the overwhelming response from students. Driver Doug Romeo noted the significant effort made by each school, saying, “I think it’s a great cause, so we’re going to make space. We’re going to make it work. It’s a good problem to have.”

The trolley’s journey included stops at St. Edward Central Catholic High School in Elgin, Benet Academy in Lisle, and Marmion Academy in Aurora. Each stop was marked by the enthusiasm of students eager to contribute to the toy drive.

Community and Compassion Drive Participation

This initiative serves as a reminder that the holiday season is not solely about receiving gifts but also about sharing acts of kindness and compassion. Senior Erin Lynch from Saint Viator reflected on the sense of belonging fostered through such activities, stating, “It’s like a family. The people are so close and they put in so much time and energy; not only serving each other, but serving the community.”

All toys collected during this event will be donated to Walt Whitman & the Soul Children of Chicago, a youth gospel choir that organizes the Soul Santa Village holiday event. This event, set to take place later this month, aims to bring joy to many children and families.

The toy drive trolley exemplifies the power of community engagement, showcasing how high school students can come together to make a positive impact during the holiday season. As the trolley filled with donations, it also filled the hearts of those involved, reinforcing the notion that collective effort can lead to meaningful change.