Sanford, Maine (December 18, 2018) - For the eleventh straight year, Sanford Junior High and Sanford High School’s JMG students supported the southern York County Toys for Tots program this past week by organizing thousands of toys generously donated by community members throughout southern Maine. “This is our eleventh year organizing Toys for Tots in southern York County which provides presents for 1,400 children in our area. Without the support of volunteers, it would be difficult to organize all the gifts in time for the holidays,” stated southern York County establisher Carol Lombard.
JMG believes in giving back to their community which is why over 50 students, in seventh through twelfth grade, volunteer a school day each year to make a child’s holiday a little bit brighter. While it’s important to give back, Sanford High School JMG Specialist Cheryl Gifford uses the opportunity to point out to her students the business side of such a huge undertaking. “From a workforce view point, students get a chance to see hands on what it takes to get a toy from a box placed outside a business to a child’s home Christmas morning. In order for this to be successful, organizers must work and build relationships with local businesses, advertise, seek transportation, document toys for auditing, coordinate with parents, and so much more.” Most volunteers have full time jobs in addition to Toys for Tots, which is a year long endeavor.
For some Sanford Junior High students, getting to dress up as elves and presenting parents with gift options is a highlight. “I look at all the toys before parents come in so I can help them find the perfect gift. It makes me feel good knowing I helped make someone happy,” says JMG student Mya Freitas.
Toys for Tots is a non-profit organization that relies on donations from community members to bring smiles to a child’s holiday. Donations are accepted throughout the year and can be done online at www.toysfortots.org selecting southern York County as the recipient or mail checks directly to Toys for Tots Southern York County, P.O. Box 958, Sanford, ME 04073.
JMG is a statewide, private nonprofit that partners with public schools and private businesses to offer results-driven solutions to ensure all Maine students graduate, attain post-secondary credentials and pursue meaningful careers. JMG provides more than 9,000 students a year with the skills and experience they will need to reach their potential. JMG graduates become engaged members of their communities, productive adults in the workforce, and contributors to Maine's economy. For more information about JMG or this event, contact JMG Specialist Cheryl Gifford at cgifford@jmg.org or by calling (207) 735-5295.
