Behind the Scenes of Toys for Tots
Senior Jay Hillis encourages students to buy a ticket for the Toys for Tots Pep Rally by selling them during lunch. Hillis serves as the Mansfield ISD ambassador for Toys for Tots.
“[Toys for Tots] has impacted me just because it has given me self-esteem, almost just because I didn’t have very high self-esteem,” Hillis said. “But whenever I started doing all of these esteemable acts and volunteering and stuff, it just made me feel better about myself which has been very nice.”
Hillis began volunteering for Key Club which led him to eventually learn about the Ambassador role for Toys for Tots.
“I got surprised whenever I learned that I became an ambassador,” Hillis said. “Ms. Marion announced it at our meeting, our first meeting of the year publicly, which caught me off guard.”
Wanting to be a Toys for Tots ambassador requires an application submission for the position. Hillis received the offer from Key Club Sponsor Ms. Abbigayle Marion. During the first Key Club meeting of the year, Hillis was informed he got the position.
“[Ms. Marion] asked if I wanted to do it, and I said yes. And then she said, oh, sorry, it’s too late, and while I was internally fuming, it turns out that behind the scenes she was actually submitting that application for me in order to surprise me,” Hillis said. “So that was a wonderful shock. I was floored in the middle of a meeting in front of like 250 people, but it was very nice to have somebody who was rooting for me enough that they went ahead and surprised me with such a big honor.”
Throughout planning for Toys for Tots, Hillis learned skills such as leadership and responsibility.
“Toys for Tots has definitely taught me leadership, but more than that has taught me how to plan. Because of our big event, we start planning in June,” Hillis said. “So that has been very good because planning isn’t one of my strong suits. It’s definitely been a learning curve, but it’s been really nice to learn how to plan and learn how to be a leader and see how to follow through with my commitments.”
As an ambassador, Hillis takes on the responsibility of planning for the annual MISD Toys for Tots event. Hillis reserves the location and other aspects of Toys for Tots gets done months prior to the event.
“We start with a rough idea. Luckily we did the event last year, so we already had a general idea of what we were going to do. But once you have the general idea, then we have to go ahead and start reserving stuff,” Hillis said. “So last year, before school even ended, we said we’re either going to do this date or this date, and we reserved the varsity gym for that right then and there. From there, you just have to start thinking about all the big pieces.”
Becoming an ambassador plays a role in Hillis’ relationships with the people around him.
“From my point of view, I think it could be a little bit irritating for the people who are directly around me, like my Key Club officers. My motto has always been if you want something, do it yourself,” Hillis said. “And so what ends up happening, what I’ve had to learn how to do, is delegate things properly with the proper explanation.”
The leadership position provided to Hillis helps him better his communication skills with his peers. He works on translating his own thoughts to a more processable language.
“There’s a lot of stuff that makes sense in my head, but it doesn’t always translate well whenever I ask someone else to do something, so then sometimes they feel confused because I didn’t explain things well enough,” Hillis said. “It’s had to teach me how to do that. So I’m sure they got a little bit irritated. But I do try to always involve myself in the process, so they’re never doing anything alone. I’m hoping that the people around me are having a good time.”
Ms. Marion selected Hillis as an ambassador candidate when informed about the opening position. She believes that Hillis deserved the opportunity through his effort and dedication to the cause.
“Jay sees the big picture without sacrificing the relationship. He has been working in the trenches as a Key Club member, as an officer and now as a leader,” Ms. Marion said. “Ambassador was the next step. The ambassadors get to see the behind-the-scenes of what Toys for Tots really accomplishes, Jay was ready to take that on and make it even better.”
To Ms. Marion, Hillis proved his leadership skills throughout his working time in Key Club.
“One of the best I have ever seen. He is strategic, prioritizing and delegating and making sure communication is always clear so we can all hold each other accountable during these busy times,” Ms. Marion said. “He puts in countless hours, makes sure things are exactly the way he wants them and never shies away from adding necessary things to his plate.”
Because of Hillis’ key attributes, such as his trust from his peers, he receives support in his community when running for the role.
“Jay is a thoughtful leader, because people know he cares, they are willing to trust his decision making,” Ms. Marion said. “He also leads by example, he never asks of people what he would not be willing to do.”
Hillis focuses on providing positive appeal and energy for students when working as a Toy for Tots ambassador.
“He puts this school first in all of our decisions. He makes sure that the most people possible will be the most positively impacted they can be,” Ms. Marion said. “People see his work ethic and I believe they trust him more for it.”
As Hillis works as a Toys for Tots ambassador, he finds joy in helping and giving back to the community. The experience provides Hillis with satisfaction when working with people similar to how he received help growing up.
“It feels really good, very exciting, very nice. It feels very full circle for me just because I’ve been involved with Toys for Tots for, like, my entire life. So it feels very nice to actually be the one who’s put in charge of things, and I have a lot more responsibility now,” Hillis said. “It makes me feel very special. It makes me feel like I’m able to help people the way people helped me when I was growing up.”
Choir Director Josh Powell looks out into the crowd as he leads his choir through the crisp evening air and onto the stage, ready to give a fun, festive performance. Legacy’s Chamber choir performs on the outdoor stage of Toys for Tots at 7:20 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 4.
“Toys for Tots isn’t one of the performances that I really stress out too much about,” Mr. Powell said. “It’s really just more fun and gives us one more opportunity to perform.”
Students who are a part of Chamber are responsible for driving to the event. There, the choir will meet to warm up and sing through their set before heading to the stage.
“Toys for Tots is always chaotic at the event itself, and the sound is not great,” Mr. Powell said. “Not everybody hears us because they aren’t paying attention, and some are talking loud and laughing so it’s a really relaxed performance.”
Chamber choir rehearses during second block every A-day and after school on Fridays. They began preparing holiday music right after their fall concert in October.
“It’s the same music that we’ll do for our holiday tour and for our holiday concert, so Toys for Tots music is just part of our normal routine,” Mr. Powell said.
Chamber will be performing “Frozen Heart” from the movie “Frozen”, “Carol of the Bells”, “Holly Jolly Christmas” and “Thirty Second Fa-la-la” at Toys for Tots. This is sophomore Tyson Frank’s first time performing at this event with Chamber.
“My favorite song is probably Carol of the Bells just because it’s a fun song. It’s not super difficult, so we all have a good time singing it,” Frank said.
Last year, Frank was a part of Legacy’s non-varsity, all-boys choir, Tenor Bass. He auditioned in May of last year and made the varsity mixed ensemble.
“I’m nervous that there’s gonna be a lot of people there because it’s for the entire district,” Frank said, “but I’m mainly just excited to be able to sing for the reason why we have Toys for Tots.”
Frank sings bass in Chamber, which is the lowest male voice part at Legacy. The choir is made up of four main voice parts: soprano, alto, tenor and bass.
“I’m looking forward to singing with people because I’ve never gotten to do it at something as big as Toys for Tots,” Frank said.
At Toys for Tots, MISD school organizations have opportunities to set up booths, activities and perform on the outdoor and indoor stages of the Dr. Jim Vaszauskas Center for Performing Arts.
“One reason I love taking choirs to Toys for Tots is because it’s one more opportunity for them to perform,” Mr. Powell said. “It’s really low pressure and it’s just like a stress-free, fun kind of performance.”
The Silver Spurs prepare to work their picture booth at Toys for Tots wearing red Santa dresses and matching Mary-Kay lipstick. Some years the Spurs perform, but this year they will host a picture booth with Santa and The Grinch.
“Being behind the scenes of Toys for Tots and Christmas drill season as a whole is truly one of my favorite aspects of the organization,” junior Molly Aldridge said. “It’s the most rewarding and fun season of drill team and it’s great being a part of something as huge and impactful as Toys for Tots.”
Aldridge is the JV Junior Lieutenant and a varsity Silver Spur.
“My favorite part of Toys for Tots is the sensational atmosphere,” Aldridge said. “The music, lights and activities create an immersive and meaningful experience for many. Some of my favorite memories growing up are from toys for tots, and I really do get such a strong sense of nostalgia when I’m there.”
Mansfield ISD partners with several organizations, including Texas Trust, Fox 4, Texas Health Hospital and TXU Energy to make Toys for Tots possible.
“I always love this time of year because it’s an opportunity for us to do what we love to give back to our community,” junior Sarah Hadash said. “It’s amazing to see the different schools come together to help others.”
Hadash is the Vice President Social Officer for the Silver Spurs. The social officers, nominated by their teammates, are elected into their roles to oversee public relations and events relating to drill team.
“My favorite part of Toys for Tots is when all the toys are laid out in front of the PAC because you can really see the massive amounts of toys which are going to help the kids in our community,” Hadash said.
With Toys for Tots being a district and community event, many other schools and organizations have booths and performances set up throughout The Center.
“Usually, we perform at Toys for Tots, which requires a lot of preparation and planning,” Aldridge said. “However, this year we are not performing, which has allowed our social officer committee to really shine.”
The Silver Spur social officers worked with their booster club to coordinate the Toys for Tots booth. With their participation in the Hometown Holidays Dance Spectacular, the Spurs decided to save the dancing for their performances on Saturday, Dec. 7
“To me, Toys for Tots is the event in MISD that unites us the most,” Aldridge said. “Theatre, drill, cheer and several other organizations across the district get to showcase their talents and deliver holiday spirit and joy. Toys for Tots also reminds us to feel gratitude for the blessings and good we have in our lives whilst helping those who need it. It’s a great time for all who are a part of it and is such a special night that goes beyond what most understand.”
Frozen in her spot as she waits for the cue to start her performance of the night, Ridglea Durham dances and sings with the other show choir members to the crowd in front of them. Legacy’s show choir, Silver Elite, performs on the outdoor stage at Toys for Tots at 7:30 p.m on Wednesday, Dec. 4.
“I know we’re working hard in class, and we’re working really hard on making sure we have the right facial expressions,” Durham said. “Even just listening to it [the music] can help me memorize the music better.”
Show choir students have been working on Christmas music and dances since the end of October to prepare for the winter season. They have three songs they are singing: “Gettin’ in the Mood (for Christmas)” by Joseph Garland, “Jingle Bells” by James Pierpont and “Heaven Everywhere” by Ben Glover.
“I love ‘Heaven Everywhere’, it is just something that I’ve been listening to and hearing forever,” Ridglea said. “It connects with what I feel like I’m going through right now.”
Durham has performed show choir since her sophomore year and is also in Legacy’s all-girls varsity choir, Bella Voce. She sings the alto part for all three of the pieces the class is singing.
“I enjoy the partner part in Jingle Bells because I’m with Kira, and we do a little twirl,” Durham said.
Students are expected to get to the back of the outdoor stage on time, so they can practice their songs before heading onto the stage. They perform right after Chamber, the mixed varsity choir, is done performing their songs.
“It’s a cool opportunity in front of the whole city to be able to showcase what we do with this ensemble because it’s really special, and we work hard for it,” Assistant Choir Director Mr. Vrij said.
Legacy is one of two of the five Mansfield schools that has a show choir.
“It’s a phenomenal opportunity to showcase what we do here and also to serve the community,” Mr. Vrij said. “It gives kids the opportunity to have that experience of participating in something bigger than themselves.”
Many things make the performance come together, not just the music and dancing. Facial expressions are really important when it comes to dancing and singing because you have to make it look like you’re having a great time, especially around the holidays.
“For Christmas, we want to look happy because we are happy,” Durham said. “Since we’re performing for kids it doesn’t need to be perfect it just needs to be fun, and we need to bring the energy.”
Coming off a football playoff run, varsity cheer quickly transitions to prepare for their annual Toys for Tots performance. Varsity co-captain senior Ashlyn Hurta looks forward to Toys for Tots every year. She enjoys seeing everyone get in the Christmas spirit.
“My favorite part about Toys for Tots is how the whole community comes together for a common goal of making kids Christmas the best it can be,” Hurta said. “All the clubs and organizations come to celebrate the holidays and the success of the toy drive that year, and it’s really special to witness and be a part of.”
Varsity junior captain Kennedy Milam works to prepare the team for the performance.
“We just have to transition from being goofy to kind of serious,” Milam said. “The things we’re doing now are more injury prone like the stunts are harder and easier to harm. So we just have to lock in and be more attentive.”
After finding a Christmas Mix on YouTube, Milam began choreography and practiced every B day with the team to get the routine down.
“This routine is more like competitive cheer,” Milam said. “We’re doing more stunts and tumbling than just yelling words.”
Cheer will perform outside The Center in front of the small stage at 8:10 p.m.
“I love that cheer can do their thing to help,” Hurta said. “We have a blast performing and love the crowd’s reaction. All the work we put in is worth it, to help make Toys for Tots a special night for everyone who comes.”
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Blakely Copeland • Dec 4, 2024 at 9:48 pm
So cool!