The spirit of giving was palpable across several Chicago area high schools on December 7, 2023, as students participated in the 4th annual CBS News Chicago toy drive trolley. This community initiative aims to collect toys for children in need during the holiday season, highlighting the generosity of local youth.
At Saint Viator High School in Arlington Heights, the atmosphere was festive as students gathered to contribute to the cause. Hundreds of students lined the halls, presenting approximately 1,000 toys to fill the trolley. 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 filled the trolley, demonstrating the commitment of the students. Doug Romeo, the trolley driver, remarked, “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. We’ll make it work.” This stop at Saint Viator marked Romeo’s fourth location after collecting donations from St. Edward Central Catholic High School in Elgin, Benet Academy in Lisle, and Marmion Academy in Aurora.
The trolley’s bright red exterior served as a reminder of the true essence of the holiday season: generosity and compassion. Erin Lynch, also a senior at Saint Viator, noted, “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 initiative will be donated to Walt Whitman & the Soul Children of Chicago, a youth gospel choir, for their upcoming Soul Santa Village holiday event. This event aims to spread joy and provide gifts to children in the community, further emphasizing the importance of collective effort during the festive season.
This year’s toy drive trolley illustrates how local high school students can make a significant impact through their actions, coming together to support those less fortunate. Their contributions reflect a commitment to community and the spirit of giving, reminding everyone that the holidays are not just about receiving but also about sharing kindness and generosity.
