Mansfield ISD Magazine Winter 2017 | Page 8

A MISD Students Help Students Affected by Hurricane Harvey lthough Hurricane Harvey made landfall on the shores of Texas in August, the effects of the devastation will take years to mend. MISD Community Donates More Than 30,000 Toys to Children in Need T he Mansfield ISD community once again showed its overwhelming generosity by raising more than 30,000 toys and $7,300 for children who are less fortunate. MISD’s sixth annual Toys for Tots drive, which is one of the largest in the state, was held Dec. 6. Thousands of people came with donations and stayed for the festive activities. Students of all ages took part in the fun activities happening around the MISD Center for the Performing Arts. The biggest attractions were the sled hill, pony rides, pictures with Santa and a kiddie train. Students from various campuses also held crowd-gathering performances. Bloomington ISD is one of the communities that was hit hard by the storm. The area has 85 percent of its homes still damaged, and rebuilding has been a challenge. When MISD high school students heard that Bloomington ISD students and their families were still trying to overcome the devastation from Hurricane Harvey, they decided to join forces to make the holiday season a little more joyful. The students hosted a “Pay It Forward” fundraising event on Nov. 28. Baskets were auctioned, and more than $12,000 was raised. Proceeds went to Bloomington ISD students and families. The high school students said helping others made them proud to be part of the district. The money, along with donated gifts, is scheduled to be delivered to the Bloomington ISD on Dec. 13. Prior to the big event, campuses and department held contests to encourage students and staff to give to the cause. Event coordinators said the response was amazing. “Seeing how our community pulls together to help others is just one of the many reasons why Mansfield ISD is a great place to live, learn and teach,” said Jeanne Cassidy, sales and marketing coordinator at the MISD Center for the Performing Arts. “I can’t thank everybody enough. Our students, parents, staff, businesses, and community organizations poured their hearts out for children who need it. It’s always incredible to witness it.” Toys for Tots is a program founded in 1947 by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve. The program’s mission is to collect new, unwrapped toys during October, November and December each year and distribute those toys as gifts to children in the community who otherwise would not receive a present. Your next advertising success starts here. We’re connecting schools, families and businesses. If you would like to see your ad in this publication, let’s talk. High school students volunteered to man the sled hill. 6 Mansfield School & Family Marines were on site to accept the community donations. Superintendent Dr. Jim Vaszauskas said the event is one of his favorites. 214-728-8349 | www.efpages.com Mansfield School & Family 7