Thousands of food, gift, and toy donations collected by local elementary students

Students from 14 Catholic elementary schools collected food, toys, and gifts, all looking for a good cause.

Local elementary students collected thousands of food, gift, and toy donations, all supporting those in need this holiday season.

Students from 14 schools partook, donating the items to the Children’s Aid Society and the Society of St. Vincent de Paul.

On Thursday, the items were packed on school buses and delivered, part of the 11th annual Santa School Bus Rides.

“You can hear the joy here with Holy Cross Choir. Thousands of food items, as well as thousands of gifts and games,” said Emelda Byrne, director of education with the Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board.

“Every student is bringing over a gift or a toy that they’re very, very proud of and they know it’s going to go to a needy cause and a family in need.”

Byrne added that it’s about the sense of belonging in the Catholic community and making sure that they give to one another around the holiday season.