Civics class applies unit, collects toys

Sophomore Kaitlin Izer recently collected and packaged toy donations as part of her government class. Photo by Sara Gabriele

Sara Gabriele/Staff Writer

For a different twist to his citizenship unit this year, social studies teacher Bob Schmidt is having his sophomore government class run a toy drive. The class will be running the drive as a class project in time for the holidays.

“It’s one thing to talk about citizenship and another to do it,” Schmidt said.

Every student in the class has an active role in some aspect of planning and running the drive. Jobs include helping with publicity, contacting churches and other organizations, collecting toys at sporting events, and delivering and counting the toys.

“It’s more fun and exciting than just a standard assignment. You get better feedback; it’s not just a written grade, it’s actual accomplishment,” sophomore Brinna Gulbranson said. “You get a good feeling about what you’re doing.”

The class will be collecting toys at basketball games, local churches and at high school in room 256. Both new and used toys will be accepted. Student senate is also endorsing the drive and will contribute $500 for the class to buy toys at Walmart. All the toys collected will be donated to the Toys for Tots foundation and distributed to underprivileged children.

“There’s no motivation other than doing the right thing– no pizza party or any other reward. [I’m] trying to teach the fact that citizenship usually happens when no one’s looking,” Schmidt said. “There’s no downside to it, it’s all good. Whatever we collect we’re going to be happy with.”
The class will be accepting toys until December 14th.