At the holiday toy drive sponsored by Ms. Hemelt on Sunday Dec. 7, math teacher Mr. Michael Samordic played Santa, including to Mr. Brady’s son (right) and Ms. Dew’s grandson (below). According to Ms. Hemelt, the drive raised about 100 items, which would be donated to The Homeless Children’s Playtime Project in D.C.

At the drive, ERHS staff brought in their kids or other children they know or are related to, for a visit to Santa and an opportunity to give toys away for charity. Although attendees brought in toys for the drive, Ms. Hemelt also got gifts for Santa to give to the children who came to the drive.

The “kids have fun,” said Ms. Hemelt, coordinator for the STEM program at ERHS.

Before the drive, a special book is made that contains information about the kids that was sent to Ms. Hemelt, so that Santa will know just the right thing to say to each kid.

NHS assisted with the drive, which took place in the cafeteria conference room.

Below, Principal Mr. McNeill and senior Matthew Kegley pose with toys from the toy drive.

Photo courtesy of Mr. Mennella

Note: A previous version of this post incorrectly stated that the SGA sponsored the drive, and also incorrectly stated that the date of the event was the Dec. 17.