London, Ont. students build ‘toy mountain’ to brighten holidays for families in need

A local elementary school is giving back this holiday season by launching their own Toy Mountain fundraiser. Reta Ismail reports.

Students at a London elementary school are helping make the holidays brighter for thousands of local children.

They’re taking part in the CTV Toy Mountain School Program — a partnership with the Salvation Army that encourages generosity while collecting toys for families who may otherwise go without.

Erin Daly’s Grade 6 class at Cedar Hollow Public School has spent the last few weeks building a “toy mountain” of donations, learning what it means to support others in their community.

“It’s really important for them to understand that they have a lot to share,” Daly said. “We live in a community that has lots to give back…and for other kids to see that sharing is just as important this holiday season.”

The Salvation Army says the need this year is significant, with thousands of families already seeking support.

“We have over 5,500 kids already signed up to get assistance from us this Christmas,” said Nancy Kerr, executive director of the Salvation Army London Community and Family Services. “And so these kids are just going to put a smile on someone’s face on Christmas morning.”

To help integrate giving into the classroom, the Salvation Army created a toy box activity kit for participating schools.

“We delivered the school toy box kits to the teachers and students, and it’s really exciting because we filled that with items that we knew the teachers would need,” said Cortney Harkin, public relations officer. “We actually had a teacher consult that put together lesson plans for us based off the Ontario curriculum, so it could fit easily right into their lesson plans.”

For many students, the project feels meaningful and personal.

“It just makes me feel really happy to give toys and stuff to other kids that don’t have much,” said sixth grader Stella Strong.

“I think it’s great for kids who don’t have enough money to get any toys for Christmas,” added classmate Alexandra Lor.

The Salvation Army hopes the inaugural School Toy Drive Program will expand to even more classrooms next year.

Toy Mountain supports families across the region every holiday season. Last year, more than 100,000 children received toys thanks to donations from schools, just like Cedar Hollow P.S.