The Mount Angel School District (MASD) has created a new toy drive program with the goal of reaching a greater number of district families.
Donations of new toys are being accepted at all MASD schools between Nov. 27 and Dec. 8, as well as at the district’s toy drive booth during Hazelnut Festival Dec. 1 – 3.
Donations benefit MASD students from kindergarten to 12th grade and could range from Lego and soccer balls to hoodies and gift cards. Cash donations are also accepted. There are also opportunities to sponsor a local family.
MASD Family Engagement Coordinator Teresa Murphy said the families of half the district’s student live below the poverty line. She said, with the district operating the program directly this year, they can assist both families in need and would-be community supporters.
Murphy said they were able to impact around 30 families last year through community partners, and she is optimistic they can get closer to 100 families this year.
In addition to the toy drive, she said MASD hopes to promote their Family Resource Room, started last year through support from MAPS Credit Union, community donations and a local church. The program operates year-round and provides students and families with food, school supplies, gas vouchers, and even job interview opportunities for parents.
For additional information, Murphy can be reached at 971-718-1742.
– Stephen Floyd
