Icicle River Middle School Hosts Annual Toy Drive

Jasmine Barragan (12) helps her mom hold all the gifts for her nephews. Photo credit: Xiodali Solis (12)

The yearly toy drive run by Cascade High School took place once again on December 16, 2025, at Icicle River Middle School. Families not only came to receive much-needed toys for their children but were also greeted with friendly smiles and a Christmas-decorated cafeteria.

The toy drive has come to life thanks to Meche Grace, counselor at Cascade High School, and has been hosted by the school for the past four years. This year, the event welcomed a new behind-the-scenes member, Dora Campos, a Communities in Schools employee. The drive partners with the North Central Washington Toy Drive and its affiliate, Les Schwab Tires. Donated toys ranged from infant to teen, offering options for children of all ages.

“There’s over 1,500 toys to hand out this year,” said Grace.

All CHS students are given the opportunity to participate in the event and earn community service hours. Organizing an event of this magnitude requires many helping hands. Students not only gain hours but also participate in a community event that can significantly impact a family’s Christmas.

“My favorite part of the toy drive was helping out families choose gifts for their kids. I also helped organize everything, set up toys, and clean up,” said Edith Rivera (12).

“My favorite part of the toy drive was helping out families choose gifts for their kids. I also helped organize everything, set up toys, and clean up,” said Edith Rivera (12).

Once the hustle and bustle of the drive settled, all members involved were left feeling accomplished and joyful, knowing they had contributed to an event that makes a meaningful difference for families in the community.