The Work-Based Learning program is sponsoring a toy drive to benefit Little Leopards, the daycare program for children of district employees. Donations are accepted at any district campus or the administration building until Feb. 15.

The high school donation box is located in the commons near the nurse’s office. The daycare asks for play food, outside toys, musical toys, books, Legos, K’nex, Kinetic Sand, sports balls, dolls, dollhouses and Shopkins–donated toys can be new or gently-used.

“I think it will be a great way to help give [the Little Leopards] some new and gently-used toys,” Principal Chris Mayfield said.

The Work-Based Learning program is a collection of classes meant to prepare students for entering the workforce. In Occupation Prep 2, students perform jobs such as delivering mail in the teacher mailroom, packing condiment bags for Chick-fil-A and sanitizing toys for Little Leopards.

“I think the toy drive will benefit Little Leopards because some kids will feel more comfortable with toys around in a strange place,” freshman Daniela Angarita said.

In the district there are Little Leopards locations at both Puster and Hart Elementaries. Little Leopards Puster is a pre-Kindergarten program, while Little Leopards Hart is exclusively for the children of district employees. Little Leopards is limited to children ages 6 weeks to 5 years old.

“Many children will benefit from having new toys and an active and stimulating environment,” biology teacher Sadaf Syed said. “Little Leopards is a great program for preschool age kids and having new manipulatives to play with is essential for growth and development.”