MC students are very excited around this time of year because it seems as if everything is happier. The Christmas spirit sets in pretty early for some students.  “Whenever Christmas rolls around the students are way more happy and relaxed,” said Keanu Rodriguez, a senior.

One clear sign of the season is that the annual Advent Action Toy Drive is underway, and students are beginning to donate toys that will be given to children at a Christmas party hosted by the pediatric clinic at St. Bernard Hospital.

Mount Carmel students have been donating toys for this event for 15 years. Each student is asked to donate one new, unwrapped toy, suitable for a child between the ages of 2 and 12.  Each Studium is expected to reach the quota of 25 toys which will be delivered to St. Bernard on Thursday, December 18.

This year Mount Carmel has added another charity to the Advent Action Toy Drive. The St. Martin De Porres House of Hope, located in the Woodlawn neighborhood of Chicago, will also be given toys to present to the children.  This part of the Toy Drive will be done a little differently compared to St. Bernard. Children at the shelter were asked for a specific gift that they wanted, which will be presented to them by Mount Carmel students.

Being able to participate in this event has encouraged a lot of people to do more charity work in and out of school. Alec Harris, a senior, was involved in the toy delivery to St. Bernard as a sophomore and recalls that he “was very happy to know that I was doing something good for someone else.”  Seeing the faces of the hospital staff  also made him feel “like a hero.”

Throughout the years, each of the charities appreciate the contribution the MC community has made. The Toy Drive touches the heart of many kids who normally might not get many, or any presents.  Harris encourages all MC students to do their part, knowing that you “will be making someone’s day, and that’s just amazing.”