It is off to the races as Oak Park High School’s next spirit event is here in time for the holidays. The Associated Student Body and Sparks of Love are holding a school-wide toy drive running from Dec. 4-5, in front of OPHS.

ASB is in charge of publicizing the event and collecting the toys before they are transported to the fire department. Toys for children up to 15 years of age are accepted. 

“The Sparks of Love toy drive is in collaboration with the Oak Park fire department,” senior and ASB president Anna Stephens said. “ASB’s community outreach committee contacted the fire department and offered to collect toys. That’s how the event started.”

From there, ASB molded the toy drive into an event to hopefully boost community involvement. From 12-4 p.m., students will be able to deliver their toys for the less fortunate. 

“Every toy donated equals one class spirit point and each class will get points based on how many donations are placed in their box,” Stephens said. “Each grade has their own box in front of the office, similar to the structure of our recent food drive. Of course the purpose of the toy drive is to help people in need, but we’re hoping that this sense of competition will fuel school spirit and further motivate people to donate.”

Despite the friendly competition, it is a great way to help those who are unable to afford Christmas presents this year. 

“It is a great opportunity to support others in the community in a time of need,” junior Piper Dobson said. “The holiday season is about giving and this toy drive is just one way we as a community can come together and support others.”

Students also have the opportunity to sign their names on a clipboard for a chance to win a prize. To be put into the raffle, all you need to do is drop an unwrapped new toy into the class box. All other information can be found on the ParentSquare blast sent out by Assistant Principal Jason Meskis.

“My favorite aspect of the toy drive is the idea that a toy donated by Oak Park will put a smile on someone’s face this holiday season,” Dobson said.