Martinsville High School hosts first toy drive

Good afternoon everyone My name is Jimmy and I'm joined by Colby Johnson and today date is 12/13/2024 and the time is 12:34PM and this report name is Martinsville High School hosts first toy drive and let get into this report.

Jimmy: Good afternoon Colby Johnson how are you today?

Colby Johnson: Good afternoon Jimmy I'm good today

Jimmy: Can you please tell us all about the Martinsville High School hosts first toy drive?

Colby Johnson: Yes i can tell you about the Martinsville High School hosts first toy drive:

Wednesday night, students at Martinsville High School hosted the school’s first toy drive. The goal was to collect toys for the Grace Network to distribute to children in need around the community.

The idea for the school’s first toy drive came from a senior who was able to make the project happen with the help of his classmates.

“I came up with it because I want to help people,” said Benjamin Torres-Orozco, a senior at Martinsville High School. ““Everyone around the world doesn’t even have toys, they aren’t even that lucky to have toys, food, or anything. So I decided to help them out by donating toys around the world.”

Martinsville history teacher Damian Dydyn is the faculty instructor for the Beta Club chapter at MHS, which put on the event with the help of the Martinsville City Public Schools Preforming Arts Academy. Dydyn said Torres-Orozco came up with the idea last year and has since worked to make it a reality.

“Ben came to me last year and wanted to do something like this after we had our trunk-or-treat event, but it was a little too late in the year to plan it. So I told him to remind me next year and so on the very first day of school this year, he comes running up to me and says, ‘When are we going to plan it, when are we going to plan it?’ So he’s been very excited about it and has kind of been the driving force behind it. I’m very proud of him; he’s done an amazing job,” said Dydyn.

In addition to collecting toys, there were hot chocolate, games, and crafts for children, a visit from Santa, and free holiday photos for anyone who donated a toy.

“All it takes is one little toy and that could be a toy that your child doesn’t use anymore or has grown out of and you can bring that in. Not only are you helping a kid, but you can also have a nice family portrait behind you for your Christmas,” said Ava Grant, Martinsville senior and Beta Club member who volunteered at the toy drive.

The school’s choir provided some Christmas tunes during the holiday celebration. In addition to collecting toys for children in need, the students helped put smiles on the faces of the children who attended.

“I’m just really proud of the kids; this is kid-driven stuff. I’m here just to facilitate and they’re doing an amazing job. I’m very proud especially of Ben, who is the one who started the whole thing,” said Dydyn.

The students who put on the event said it’s all about serving the community and paying it forward.

“This is really important because I think it inspires other community members to do the same and it also inspires hope,” said Grant.

Jimmy: Thanks for sharing this with us all and thanks for listening in everyone