Last year, the Senior Class of St. Joseph High School initiated a toy drive for young children from low-income families in Faulkner County. The seniors partnered with the Community Action Program for Central Arkansas (CAPCA) which delivered the toys to 3-5 year-olds enrolled in CAPCA's Head Start program.
The Class of 2026 decided to continue that effort and School Principal, Dr. Matthew Tucker, set a goal of collecting 209 Christmas gifts representing the number of students currently enrolled at the school in grades 7-12. When the drive ended on December 12 there were 260 toys placed under CAPCA's Christmas tree.
"CAPCA is beyond grateful for the kindness of St. Joseph's Senior Class,' Executive Director Jennifer Welter said. "Their spirit of giving will bless approximately 100 children this holiday season.Not only does it bless the children, it also blesses their families who feel a genuine sense of love and support from our community."
St. Joseph's Senior Class Sponsor, Ms. Alicia Yrle, also expressed gratitude to the class officers, President Lauren O'Dwyer, Vice-President Ethan Loynachan, and Secretary Brodie Mallett for their leadership in the project. "I'm so proud of them and all of the students who donated these gifts which far exceeded the challenge presented to them," Ms. Yrle said. "I also want to thank the rest of our St, Joseph Family for their generosity and love."