The holiday season at Vantage Career Center is a time of generosity, unity, and heartwarming community support. This spirit was fully evident through the annual Toss-A-Toy event, where staff and students joined forces to bring joy to children and families in need.
Vantage students continue their mission of spreading joy and making a difference in the community. Last year, students achieved a record-breaking milestone by raising $8,650.56 during their annual "Toss-A-Toy" drive, allowing students to purchase a wide variety of gifts for families in need, such as games, toys, and other special items. These gifts brought joy to children of all ages and demonstrated the club's dedication to fostering holiday cheer.
This year, the students has upheld its tradition of impactful service with tremendous support from community partners and donors. The Paulding Putnam Electric Coop Operation Round Up program contributed $1,300—$300 more than in previous years—giving the club a strong foundation for its fundraising efforts. Additionally, the Defiance Moose Lodge #2094 made a generous $1,000 donation, further bolstering the club's ability to provide holiday gifts to families in need.
Operation Round Up, which pools small contributions from PPEC members who round up their utility bills, has distributed over $500,000 to local projects since its inception. This initiative continues to play a vital role in empowering organizations like the Vantage Interact Club, showcasing how collective generosity can make a significant difference in the community.
On December 6th, Vantage students took a hands-on approach to giving back by shopping for toys destined to brighten young lives this holiday season. By the end of the day, the stage at Vantage was transformed into a festive display of toys, symbolizing the collective compassion of everyone involved.
Billy Knoll, one of the key partners in the Toss A Toy event, from Lee Kinstle Chevrolet GMC, shared his excitement: "It was one of our favorite stops for the Lee Kinstle Chevrolet GMC Toss-A-Toy as we took the trucks to Vantage Career Center! As always, the kids and their advisors did an awesome job of shopping for toys, bicycles, and clothes! All of the goodies will be donated to the Van Wert Salvation Army for their Christmas program to assist families in our local area who need a helping hand to give their children something under the tree this year."
The donations collected through Toss-A-Toy support approximately 600 local families during the holiday season, ensuring that children in the community experience the joy of receiving gifts during this special time of year.
Vantage students and Staff members also showed their giving spirit through a jeans day fundraiser, raising an impressive $601.00. Every contribution, whether big or small, added to the magic of this heartfelt initiative.
Logistical support from Construction Equipment Technology ensured a smooth process, helping transport toys from Walmart to Vantage. Their assistance underscores the power of community collaboration.
Toss-A-Toy at Vantage Career Center exemplifies how generosity and compassion can unite a community to make a meaningful difference. Thank you to everyone who contributed, supported, and participated—your kindness is what makes this season truly special.