Every child deserves to be delighted on Christmas morning. 

Newspaper and yearbook classes donated 14 toys to Blue Santa at their annual Christmas party on December 9. This is the 13th year Eagle Publications has donated toys. Blue Santa will continue to accept donations through Saturday, December 21.

“I hope students learn the joy of giving surpasses the joy of receiving,” yearbook and newspaper sponsor Kathie Maciel said. “That’s what this season is for.”

The sophomore journalism class also participated in the Blue Santa charity drive. They added eight toys to the total, making the final donation 22 toys.

“Students get really excited for this party,” Maciel said. “It’s great to see the kids be so happy to give.”

Maciel got the idea from her job at Wortham High School. The teachers participated in an event similar to this, instead they donated to Toys for Tots. Maciel switched to Blue Santa to keep the gifts local.

“The best part about this party every year is the clever stories everyone ties to the toys,” Maciel said. “This party really helps bring everyone together in the spirit of giving.”

For the party, students draw other classmates names like the Secret Santa game. Then, students buy a toy which describes their person instead of a present they keep, but sometimes students buy an extra present for the receiver to keep. 

“I like coming up with the story behind my toy,” senior Emi Bonner said. “It’s always a fun way to get to know more about a person.”

People can donate toys locally to Blue Santa. Toy drop- off locations are Wells Fargo, Freestone County Credit Union, Randall’s Barber Shop, Brookshire Brothers, Capps True Value, Farmers State Bank.

“Seeing the community and other newspaper and yearbook people involved in such a great charity is really heart- warming,” senior Merrianne Markham said. “I’m so excited that my simple toy can really brighten a child’s Christmas.”