PORTLAND, Oregon — Every year since the pandemic, schools have seemed to have taken on larger workloads. Teachers have often reported that kids have more needs than ever before. To meet the moment, schools have become more than a place for kids to learn.
"If the need is high here, you can expect that the need is high everywhere," said Michelle Leishman, principal of Margaret Scott Elementary School in the Reynolds School District.
At Margaret Scott, school support stretches far outside the classroom.
For years, the school has helped families in need during the holidays, Leishman said. For the past five years, the school has partnered with the KGW Toy Drive to give away toys to families during the holidays
"It's like Christmas morning!" third grade teacher Christian Dickey said of the giveaway. "(Kids) faces are just glowing with excitement and they're just very happy."
As toy prices seem to become more costly, Leishman said every donation can help families.
"The kids are thrilled, but more importantly the parents know that their kids are loved and supported by the community members," she said.
Donations can come from far outside the are of Northeast Portland where Margaret Scott is located. That generosity goes a long way in building up communities, Leishman said.
"It just makes us not seem like an island," Leishman added. "You know, picking up something and dropping it in a donation bin, you don't always see where it lands. But I can tell you it lands with a heart."
The KGW Great Toy Drive is going on now through Dec. 17. Help us collect toys for local families by giving at kgw.com/toy.