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Preschool students at Farias Early Childhood Center enjoyed an early holiday treat Tuesday, Dec. 16. Santa and his helpers along with HISD high school students and members of Leading Ladies, a nonprofit female youth service organization, distributed toys to 380 excited four-year-olds.

“The little kids are so adorable, they get so excited,” said Lamar High School student Mary Hale. “It’s nice to know we did something for them, and they give us something – their faces are just priceless.”

This is the second year that students from Bellaire, Carnegie Vanguard, DeBakey, Lamar, and Westbury high schools, the High School for Performing and Visual Arts, and Leading Ladies have teamed up to deliver some holiday cheer at Farias. Community leaders that included State Rep. Armando Walle (Dist. 140), were also on hand to help.

Last year the Pre-K Pals Toy Drive adopted Farias in their effort to expand the holiday spirit to Houston’s North side. HISD high school students collect, wrap and help distribute the toys, creating a community event that impacts both the high school students and the preschoolers.

“The high school students are learning volunteer skills by gathering those toys for our students, and our students benefit from their efforts,” explained Farias Principal Sandra Menxueiro. “We have only Pre-K students, and they all get excited watching Santa Clause come to their classroom and deliver those toys. For me, as a principal, watching those faces just light up, it’s just amazing.”