During the holiday season, there is only one thing on student’s minds – presents. However, the majority of people only think of presents they are receiving and not the ones they can give. While this may be the case for some, guidance counselor Christine Hempsted has entirely different plans. 

   Hempsted is the director of the annual Toy Drive, which she started back in 2011. The goal of this drive is to provide toys for foster children during the holidays.

   All of the toys that Trinity donates are sent to the Seminole County Sheriff’s office, where they are then given to the organization named Christmas Village that gives the toys to the kids on Christmas Eve.

   While the Toy Drive has existed for 13 years, recently the number of toys Trinity has donated has declined. In fact, during 2020 students provided over 500 gifts for the drive, but in the past two years the number of toys has only been roughly 140. Hempsted is hoping to change this by incentivizing more students to contribute to the cause.

   “If every one [high-schooler] in an advisory brought in one [toy], we would already be over the 500 mark, and I am hoping we can do that,” Hempstead said.

   Within the Christmas Village foundation, there are over 500 foster kids supported and given presents, so if Hempstead along with the entire Trinity community can fulfill this goal it would provide a gift for every single child.

   Throughout her time as the director, Hempsted believes that her favorite part of the drive is when she provides the gifts to the organization. While she may not see the kids themselves receive the presents, the act of giving to those in need brings her joy.

   “When they come and pick everything up they’re always so grateful and so happy that we can contribute,” Hempsted said. “Even when our turnout hasn’t been so good in the past they are still very appreciative.”

   In order to garner as many toys as possible, Hempstead planned to organize drop off locations at multiple music concerts as well as the Silent Night basketball game. Support the annual toy drive by dropping off a gift for the children supported by the Christmas Village Nov. 28 through Dec. 8. These donations can be accepted at the Dec. 1 Band concert, Dec. 2 Jazz concert, Dec. 5 Percussion concert, and Dec 8 and 9 Choral concert. 

   “These poor kids have been through hard times,” Hempstead said. “It would be great if they could have some happiness and some [presents] at Christmas.”