On Nov 17, 2021 the traditional annual toy drive took place at South El Monte High School. Every year the purpose of this event is to help impact the community in a positive way. The toy drive helps spread happiness and positivity in the community by putting smiles on the faces of children from families that come from low income households.

The Toy drive this year was very unique according to Senior Jayleen De La Cruz (SEMHS student/ASB leader), “This toy drive was like no other. I’ve never seen all schools from the district come up in unison to help distribute toys and bring a smile to kids.” For this year’s toy drive all of the donations went to the El Monte/South El Monte Emergency Resources Association for distribution to children in need in our community this holiday season.  

The toy drive ended Monday, December 6, 2021. This event helps the community be more giving as well as more empathetic to those in need. Jayleen said, “Many of these kids who will be receiving their toys come from low income families so by receiving these toys, it helps the parents of these families make their kids happy for Christmas.”