Thousands of people attended Mansfield ISD’s 12^th annual Toys for Tots community-wide toy collection and holiday event on Thursday, Nov. 30 at the Dr. Jim Vaszauskas Center for the Performing Arts. The community outpouring of holiday spirit resulted in a collection of 23,000 toys and $30,000 in cash donations with more expected to come in before Christmas. Families enjoyed an evening filled with student performances and fun activities including a sledding hill, games, and visits with Santa.   

Mansfield ISD’s annual Toys for Tots drive is a perfect example of We Are Mansfield ISD Stronger Together, the district’s theme for the year, in action. In partnership with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, every campus and department contributes to the annual toy drive.

The annual celebration wouldn’t be possible without the collaboration of district departments, campuses, and community sponsors. Beginning in November, students and staff collected new, unwrapped toys. MISD’s campuses and departments compete for bragging rights on who collected the most toys. Brenda Norwood won the elementary school competition, Donna Shepard Leadership Academy won for intermediate schools, Linda Jobe was the first-place middle school, Lake Ridge High School outpaced the other high schools and Transportation was the winning department. 

A portion of the Center for the Performing Arts has been transformed into a North Pole VIP shopping experience for district families who have been selected to receive a donation. Parents and guardians who applied for the program and were selected can visit and choose a special toy for their child.  

“The entire Toys for Tots experience illustrates that we are truly Stronger Together,” said MISD Superintendent Dr. Kimberley Cantu. “We are collaborating at every level to make sure our families in need are taken care of and feel seen.”  

The fun isn’t over yet, the carnival is open through the weekend. The schedule is available on The Center’s Facebook page. Toys will be collected at MISD campuses and facilities until December 19. The Mansfield Toys for Tots organization will collect toys until December 23, and monetary donations are accepted year-round. For more information about how to donate or request a toy, please visit the Mansfield TX Toys for Tots Campaign webpage.

See event photos on the the district's Smug Mug page.