Chicago High Schools Unite for 4th Annual Toy Drive Trolley

The spirit of giving was alive on December 7, 2023, as several high schools in the Chicago area participated in the 4th annual CBS News Chicago toy drive trolley. Students from local schools came together to collect toys for children in need, demonstrating their commitment to community service during this holiday season.

At Saint Viator High School in Arlington Heights, students filled the hallways with hundreds of toys, showcasing their enthusiasm and dedication. Senior Kayli Burke expressed the collective sentiment, stating, “We all just want what is best for each other. And we are just here to support each other because we’re just filled with Christ, and we just love each other.”

The toys quickly piled up as they were loaded onto the CBS toy drive trolley. Driver Doug Romeo noted the overwhelming response from the students, saying, “I think it’s a great cause, so we’re going to make space. We’re going to make it work. It’s a good problem to have.” This marked his fourth and final stop of the day after making stops at St. Edward Central Catholic High School in Elgin, Benet Academy in Lisle, and Marmion Academy in Aurora.

The trolley, a vibrant red symbol of the holiday season, served as a reminder that the holidays are not solely about receiving gifts but also about sharing generosity and compassion. Senior Erin Lynch emphasized the community spirit, stating, “It’s like a family. The people are so close and they put in so much time and energy; not only serving each other but serving the community.”

All toys collected during this event will be donated to Walt Whitman & the Soul Children of Chicago, a youth gospel choir, for their upcoming Soul Santa Village holiday event later this month. This initiative highlights the importance of community engagement and the impact that students can have through collective action.