“ This event and the people we serve are so close to my heart . Our goal is to ensure no child in our area goes without this holiday season .”
TOYS FOR TOTS HONORS MISD CENTER DIRECTOR AND TEAM
The Marine Corps Reserve Toys for
Tots program had its best year on record in 2024 , and Flo Torres , director of Mansfield ISD ’ s Dr . Jim Vaszauskas Center for the Performing Arts , was a huge part of that success .
At the Toys for Tots Foundation ’ s annual training in September , Torres and her team received two prestigious awards . She was named Coordinator of the Year , and the Mansfield donation site received Campaign of the Year for Region 5 . Torres was selected for the awards based upon her leadership and ability to plan and organize a campaign with exceptional results .
“ This community does so much to support the children and their families ,” Torres said . “ It gives me so much joy to continue to grow our giving knowing the happiness it brings our local children during the holidays .”
Last year , Region 5 — including all 48
MISD campuses and departments — collected 23,796 toys benefitting more than 8,236 children . Two years ago , Torres took on expanded responsibilities with the Toys for Tots Foundation and became a site coordinator for the city of Mansfield . Her initiative ensured all of the toys collected in our area are distributed to children in Mansfield ISD and the surrounding community .
Each year families who attend the Toys for Tots event are treated to dazzling light displays , a sledding hill , an opportunity to visit with Santa and other fun family activities . All of the fun and giving are made possible by the community and business partnerships Torres has developed throughout her years at the helm .
“ Flo has such an incredible work ethic , and she is always thinking of ways to improve and expand this experience for our families ,” said Mansfield ISD Superintendent Dr .
“ This event and the people we serve are so close to my heart . Our goal is to ensure no child in our area goes without this holiday season .”
FLO TORRES Director of the Dr . Jim Vaszauskas Center for the Performing Arts
Kimberley Cantu . “ She and her team are so deserving of these awards , and we are fortunate to have this event as an annual celebration in our community .”
The Dr . Jim Vaszauskas Center for the Performing Arts hosted its
13th annual Toys for Tots event on Wednesday , Dec . 4 , 2024 . The MISD Community contributed 28,500 toys and $ 28,000 in donations .
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