Locust Grove Middle School Toy Drive Doubles Goal, Spreads Holiday Cheer

LOCUST GROVE, Ga. — Locust Grove Middle School’s Leadership through Education under Greek-lettered Organizations (L.E.G.O.) achieved a heartwarming success with their recent toy drive to end 2024, far surpassing their initial goal. The initiative, led by advisor Marlin Foster, aimed to collect 100 toys to bring joy to children in need. By the end of the drive, over 200 toys had been collected—doubling expectations and showcasing the incredible generosity of the Locust Grove community.

L.E.G.O. is dedicated to fostering leadership, education, and community service among students. This toy drive was a hands-on opportunity for students to demonstrate those values by organizing a meaningful project that would brighten the holiday season for children in the local area. “This Toy Drive wasn’t just about collecting toys,” said Marlin Foster, the advisor for L.E.G.O. “It was about teaching students the value of community service and showing them how their efforts can make a real difference in the lives of others.”

The drive began on Dec. 9 and ran until Dec. 20, with collection bins placed throughout the school and at participating local businesses. Students promoted the initiative through posters, announcements, and social media, encouraging classmates, teachers, and community members to contribute. As the toys poured in, volunteers worked to sort and organize the donations, ensuring they were ready for distribution. The L.E.G.O. team then partnered with local charities and shelters to deliver the toys to children in need, spreading holiday cheer to over 200 young recipients.

The original goal of collecting 100 toys was ambitious, but the overwhelming support of the Locust Grove community resulted in a collection of over 200 toys, ranging from action figures and dolls to puzzles and art supplies. For the students involved, the experience was not only rewarding but also empowering. They saw firsthand how teamwork, leadership, and generosity could create meaningful change.

The success of this year’s toy drive has inspired L.E.G.O. to dream even bigger for future initiatives. With Foster’s guidance, the organization plans to continue building leadership skills and fostering a culture of giving back among students. To everyone who donated, volunteered, or supported the toy drive, L.E.G.O. extends its deepest gratitude. Together, the Locust Grove community proved that with shared effort and compassion, we can achieve more than we ever imagined.

Locust Grove Middle School, located in southern Henry County, serves about 1,000 students in grades 6-8 as of October 2024. The school is known for its commitment to leadership and community service, exemplified by initiatives like the L.E.G.O. toy drive.