[CharterSchools] Hynes Charter Schools Students Donate Over 1, 000 Toys to Toys for Tots

[charterschools at LACharter.org]

Hynes Charter Schools Students Donate Over 1,000 Toys to Toys for Tots

 

Two 8th Graders Lead the Charge in Spreading Holiday Cheer

  
New Orleans, LA (December 13, 2024) – Two exceptional 8th-grade students from Hynes Charter School-Lakeview have been spearheading a Toys for Tots drive for the past three years, demonstrating leadership, dedication, and a heart for giving back. Since starting the initiative in 6th grade, Brooklynn Young and Molly Freedman have collected over 1,000 toys to bring joy to children in need during the holiday season.
 

What began as a simple desire to support their community has grown into an annual tradition, with Brooklynn and Molly managing every aspect of the drive themselves. From collaborating with Toys for Tots to creating promotional materials and organizing classroom donations, the students have turned their vision into a well-oiled operation that embodies the spirit of the season.

 

“Each year, Brooklynn and Molly take the initiative to coordinate the entire drive, working with our principal, designing flyers, promoting the campaign, and gathering toys from classmates and staff—all with minimal guidance from me,” said Erika Semmes, 5th-8th Grade Gifted Teacher and Department Chair at Hynes. “Their leadership and generosity are truly inspiring. These two students exemplify what it means to give back, and their selfless dedication serves as a shining example for their peers and our community.”

 

This year, the students have collected nearly 300 toys, with contributions coming from the Hynes community as well as friends and family. The toys were picked up by Toys for Tots on December 12, ensuring that many children will experience the magic of the holidays thanks to their efforts.

 

“Leading the Toys for Tots drive at our school for the past three years has been an incredible experience,” said Brooklyn. “Collecting so many toys for families in need has shown us how much of an impact we can make when we come together.” Molly added, “We’re so proud of how our school community has shown up over the years to support a great cause during this season of giving.”

 

Hynes Charter Schools have been a cornerstone of quality education in New Orleans for over 70 years. The network includes Hynes-Lakeview (PK3–8), Hynes-UNO (K-5, expanding to K-8), and Hynes-Parkview (K-8). Hynes-Lakeview and Hynes-UNO also offer French immersion programs, providing a rich, diverse educational experience for students.

 

For media inquiries or to schedule interviews with Brooklyn and Molly, please contact Heather Harper at (504) 289-0499 or via email at hharper at h2nola.net.
 
Brooklynn and Molly with marines from Toys for Tots in 6th grade

Brooklynn and Molly with a marine from Toys for Tots in 8th grade

 

For more information about Hynes Charter Schools, visit www.hynesschool.com,

For more information on Toys for Tots, visit www.toysfortots.org

 

####

 

Hynes Charter Schools are some of the highest demand, non-selective admissions elementary schools in Orleans Parish,  serving three campuses in Lakeview and Gentilly. Hynes offers a challenging academic curriculum that includes a progressive literacy program; gifted and talented courses, classes in art, instrumental music, vocal music, library, theater and physical education. Art and social-emotional learning are integrated throughout the curriculum.  In addition, Hynes offers a French Immersion program at two campuses.  Hynes is proud of the collaborative culture that it fosters with distributed leadership and shared decision-making. Hynes has identified five core elements that drive its success: 1.) student centered instruction, 2.) an inclusive and positive school culture, 3.) tailored enrichment opportunities for students, 4.) an invested and committed community and 5.) having a sustainable organization.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <https://pairlist9.pair.net/pipermail/charterschools/attachments/20241213/477c4f62/attachment-0001.htm>
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: Hynes-Shield copy.jpg
Type: image/jpeg
Size: 127004 bytes
Desc: not available
URL: <https://pairlist9.pair.net/pipermail/charterschools/attachments/20241213/477c4f62/attachment-0003.jpg>
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: BY & MF Toy Drive 6th Grade in 2022.jpg
Type: image/jpeg
Size: 221522 bytes
Desc: not available
URL: <https://pairlist9.pair.net/pipermail/charterschools/attachments/20241213/477c4f62/attachment-0004.jpg>
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: BY & MF Toy Drive 2.jpg
Type: image/jpeg
Size: 912565 bytes
Desc: not available
URL: <https://pairlist9.pair.net/pipermail/charterschools/attachments/20241213/477c4f62/attachment-0005.jpg>