IN FOCUS

SKILLS USA TOY DRIVE

Hundreds of children living in Williamson County will have a much happier Christmas thanks to the generosity of students at Independence High School. In the span of just a few weeks, the school collected more than 1,000 new toys to be distributed to needy families in the Williamson County community.

The toy drive has become something of a tradition at Independence High School. Members of the Skills USA program organize this annual event.

"At Skills USA, we try to do at least one community service project throughout the year," says Independence High School senior Tiffany Carpenter. "We like to reach out and help the community and so we began this toy drive to help kids during the holidays."

Students and teachers at IHS load toys into an SUV. The toys will be given to needy families in Williamson County.

On December 5, students gathered all the toys and loaded them into an SUV owned by Chris Whitney. As the pastor of Nashville Family Church, Whitney will assist the Mid-Cumberland Community Action Agency in distributing the gifts to families who might be struggling financially. "Most people think of Williamson County as being a very affluent area," says Whitney. "But the truth is, there's a lot of people living here who are just barely getting by."

For the students, taking part in such a noble cause has taught them about the importance of helping others during the season of giving. "It's definitely a great thing to hear the stories about the kids when they get the toys," says Carpenter. "It's a really good way for us, as students, to get involved."

Important Dates

Tuesday-Friday, December 16-19, First Semester Exams

Friday, December 19, End of First Semester

December 22-January 5,No School due to Winter Holiday

Tuesday, January 6, First Student Day of Second Semester

Monday, January 19, No School due to Martin Luther King Jr. Day

Monday, February 16, No School for Students due to Professional Development

Friday, March 13, End of Third Quarter Grading Period

For other dates, check with each individual school

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