Eagan Preschool Spreads Holiday Cheer with Toys for Tots

Eagan MN

23 December, 2020

3:33 PM

Description

EAGAN, MN. (December 23, 2020)—The holidays are a magical time when generosity is flowing, and we are all working to take care of one another. It’s also a time when we can make an example for our children to look up to, teaching them that the holiday spirit is about joy, love, and giving back. The Gardner School believes that by working together with its students and families, their school can make a difference in their community and show students what giving back is all about. As this year has been uniquely challenging, The Gardner School wants to lead by example, showing students that helping is always important—especially when the world needs healing. In support of this mission, The Gardner School of Eagan, for the fourth consecutive year, gathered toys from students’ families for Toys for Tots. The program, organized by the U. S. Marine Corps Reserve, collects new, unwrapped toys from October to December to distribute as Christmas gifts to less fortunate children in their communities. The Gardner School’s Chief Operating Officer, Tammy Robinson, noted, “Toys for Tots is a fantastic organization that spreads so much holiday cheer to children in need. The Gardner School’s staff and families are humbled by the opportunity to contribute to their mission and show our students what a good feeling it is to help others.” This cause is near and dear to The Gardner School’s heart, as the school’s work is wholly focused on the development of children, and they never want to see a child go without. The staff members know that many families struggle to provide gifts for their families this time of year. Being a part of this community cause allows them the opportunity to talk with their students about the value of helping others. “We had a collection box in the lobby, and the children were always so excited to see the box fill up! I love to hear the parents and teachers explain why there is a toy box, and then to later hear the kids explain what they understand. ‘The toys are not for me. They are for others who wouldn’t be able to get new toys for Christmas’ or ‘I want to buy a toy for someone.’ Ultimately, they learn the importance of giving over receiving,” says Lindsey Mayer, Director at The Gardner School of Eagan. To learn more about The Gardner School, please visit www.thegardnerschool.com. About The Gardner School: Founded in 2004, The Gardner School is an academically-focused preschool for ages six-weeks through five years old. Headquartered in Franklin, TN, The Gardner School has schools located in Colorado, Illinois, Kentucky, Ohio, Minnesota, Tennessee, and Virginia. For more information about The Gardner School, please visit www.TheGardnerSchool.com or to schedule a tour at a specific location, visit About"> www.thegardnerschool.com/contact-us. About the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program: Toys for Tots, a 70-year national charitable program run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, provides happiness and hope to less fortunate children during each Christmas holiday season. The toys, books, and other gifts collected and distributed by Marines and volunteers offer these children recognition, confidence, and a positive memory for a lifetime. They believe it is such experiences that help disadvantaged children become responsible citizens and caring members of their community. Each year, the Marine Corps fulfills the holiday hopes and dreams of an average of seven million less fortunate children in nearly 800 communities nationwide. Since 1947 over 244 million children have been assisted. For more information, visit www.toysfortots.org.