35th Annual Toys for Tots Party at LHS

Carolers, a live band, dancing, Santa, gifts and more all showed up Thursday at proving that when students commit to the Toys for Tots party, they pull out all the stops.

"Everything's gone off without a hitch so far," said Activities Director, Scott Rolando, "We have around 170 LHS students helping out, and roughly 200 student, teacher, and parent guests."

Participating schools and teachers were honored with festive posters that trimmed the room, along with colorful lights, balloons, trees and inflatable snow globe scenes. Tablecloths were fashioned from poster paper so guests could color and create wherever they were sitting.

"I got to color and play Uno," said LHS senior Austin Adams, 18, who attended the event for the first time, "I wanted to participate because it's a great cause…I didn't realize I'd being having so much fun too."

LHS choir members caroled table-to-table around the crowded gym, and band members played some familiar holiday tunes. When the music wasn't live, a play-list of holiday hits continually filled the air and incited lots of joyous dancing.

"They don't get to do this everyday," said junior, Shannon Haines, 16, "It's nice to be here for them, and share this with them."

Haines has participated in the Toys for Tots program every year that she's been at LHS, and next year as a senior hopes to dual-enroll at OCC in a sign language class.

"I think it's important to learn various forms of communication because special needs populations are often overlooked. My Grandpa taught me some sign language that he used in his work as an EMT. You never know when it can be useful."

An estimated 40 or so special needs teachers and paraeducators attended this year's event with students from their classes.

"They have been excited about this all week," said Oxbow Elementary paraeducator, and White Lake resident, Dawn Brotherton, "Their main thing is Santa, 'Where's Santa? Is Santa going to be there?' They're just so excited!"

Along with sharing in the student's excitement, Brotherton also enjoys the opportunity to see former students that she's worked with, "It's kind of like a reunion," she said. Elementary through high school aged guests are invited to the Toys for Tots annual party.

After lunch, it was time for the highlight for many attendees, Santa Claus. Each guest was given a gift as Santa mingled around the room.

"It was actually the first time I ever wrapped a gift," said Adams, as he watched the children cheerfully tearing into their presents, "the sheet said we had to wrap them ourselves, so I gave it my best shot."

Luckily for Adams, no one seemed to be judging the wrapping quality as the children beamed over their new gifts, with some running around to show them off.

After the gifts, goodbyes began, and groups started to pack up for the day. Smiling faces were in abundance as children and educators filed out of the party, proudly marking LHS's 35th Toys for Tots party a success.

"It was fun and nice to make these kids' day," said junior, Alex Rew, 16, who has participated in the program the past 3 years, "Can't wait until next year!"