BILLERICA — Shawsheen Valley Technical School’s SkillsUSA Leadership Team once again demonstrated the extraordinary power of community and compassion through their annual Toys for Tots drive.
The 2023 communal effort resulted in the collection of an impressive 385 toys, a significant accomplishment that embodies the spirit of giving in both the school and the local community.
For eight years, the Shawsheen SkillsUSA chapter has teamed up with the Billerica Fire Department and the Marines to run the Toys for Tots fundraiser. It began after a student’s firsthand encounter with the organization, sparking the lasting commitment within the chapter to support this cause. The campaign ran from Nov. 2 to Dec. 8.
Exceeding their previous record of 246 toys collected in 2022, the SkillsUSA team showcased an outstanding dedication to generosity, marking nearly a 56% increase in donated toys.
At the core of this initiative are the fundamental values of the SkillsUSA organization: community engagement and leadership development. The Toys for Tots fundraiser served as a platform for students to exercise and cultivate these invaluable skills.
The success of the campaign was a result of the collective dedication of all Shawsheen Tech students and staff, with special acknowledgment of the SkillsUSA leadership team. Their efforts encompassed various tasks, from designing and displaying schoolwide posters to distributing collection boxes and diligently overseeing the donations each morning. Additionally, students utilized multiple communication channels, including school announcements and collaboration with various clubs and organizations, to encourage participation. Upon conclusion, the Leadership Team meticulously organized and counted the toys, and got them ready for pickup.
A touching moment unfolded when the Billerica Fire Department arrived on campus with their vehicle lights on, ready to collect the donated toys. They emphasized the brief 11-day window between the collection and delivery of gifts to children.
The remarkable generosity of the Shawsheen community has undoubtedly left an indelible impact, spreading joy and hope to countless children during the holiday season.
