The Senior Class Advisory has been sponsoring Gifts for Glennon for the past three years. During the Class of 2022’s sophomore year, Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital reached out to the advisory in hopes to invite the Lafayette students to join in on the cause. 

“We thought it would be a great opportunity and agreed,” communications co-leader Talia Parr said. “Over the years, what once started off as a relatively small project has become bigger and bigger.” 

At Cardinal Glennon, many of the children are either in long-term care or will spend many years in the hospital. The purpose of this drive is to create a supportive environment while helping motivate and advocate for the psychological, developmental and emotional needs of patients and their families. 

“Each toy that is gifted goes directly to a kid and it becomes theirs to keep,” vice president Pooja Reddy said. “For the hospital, it’s important to them to give these children something to keep their spirits up during the holidays.” 

Many toys were also donated in partnership with Rockwood Thunder Volleyball Club that held an all-age tournament where each participant brought a toy. 

“Working with Key Club and National Honor Society has been such an effective way to get more donations and help them to get more points,” Parr said.  

Last year the group collected an estimated $3,000 in donations and dropped the items off at the hospital.  

Donations are being collected near the Welcome Center until Dec. 17 or anyone can take items directly to Cardinal Glennon anytime between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday. 

With hopes that Gifts for Glennon continues even after the Class of 2022 graduates, the Senior Class Advisory is working with the Freshman Class office. 

“Speaking for myself and fellow advisory leaders, the Gifts for Glennon drive has definitely been a highlight in my high school experience. I’m grateful to have been able to connect with my community and help give back through a school-wide effort,” Reddy said.