December 14, 2012                                                    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

District Contact: Rayanne Schmid, communications coordinator

936-569-5000, ext. 8845 (office); rschmid@nacisd.org

NACOGDOCHES — Nacogdoches schools employees and community members took the district’s challenge of “Making the Season Bright” seriously donating 92 bikes, $464.14 in cash, 9 helmets, two toy tractors and a Barbie doll.

“We are very grateful for the generosity of our NISD family,” said Nacogdoches Independent School District Superintendent Dr. Fred Hayes. “Their willingness to help others is seen through out the school year, but this outreach of support is particularly heart warming.”

The toy and bike drive, which will support the local Toys for Tots program, began Nov. 27. The bikes rolled in, nearly lining both sides of E.J. Campbell District Support Center’s longest hallway.

Each NISD school participated, as well as the district’s individual departments including student nutrition services, deaf education, plant services, administrators and many others. Community members, individuals as well as groups like the Community Improvement Program and Women of Grace, also contributed to the cause.

While enough cash was gathered to reach the 100-bike goal, district officials decided to purchase toys for those who might not be old enough for one or not have interest in receiving a new bike.

“This is about fulfilling children’s wishes at Christmastime,” Hayes said.  “We’ve been told this year’s requests for Toys for Tots assistance has more than double. We want to help met those needs.”

All donations will distributed by Toys for Tots on Dec. 17 to the families who registered through Love Inc. and were selected for the program.

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