Spanish teacher Judy Sandoval’s classes all chipped in to buy toys for needy children, and they went shopping for the holiday gifts, Thursday, Dec. 11. Sandoval gives the toys to Student Council, who, in turn, distributes the gifts to both Blue Santa and Toys for Tots.

“I think it’s important for our students to learn to give back to our community,” Sandoval said. “We should go beyond the subjects we teach and teach students to be better citizens.”

The students learned a valuable lesson from helping the community, and many enjoyed being able to bring joy to kids in need.

“[I donate] so [the kids] have a present to open up on Christmas,” freshman Cassidy Morgan said. “Every kid should be able to get that experience of opening a present.”

The National Spanish Honor Society also wanted to make the holidays brighter for needy children. They voted to donate toys to Blue Santa.

“We favor Blue Santa because it stays in our community,” Sandoval said. ‘”But we also like to support the programs here at Rouse.”