John H. Francis Polytechnic High School Students Raise $34,000 for Annual Toy Drive; More than $100,000 Raised Over Past Three Years -- Tops in the US

John H. Francis Polytechnic High School students raised more than $34,000 in the schools annual Toy Drive and a remarkable $100,000 over three years. Polytechnic High (Sun Valley in Los Angeles Unified School District) is a low income school with 88% of its students families with a household annual income of $26,000 or less. This is a student drive initiative that involves all of the student body in donating over 5000 toys to local underprivileged families during the holiday season.

Sun Valley (PRWEB) December 24, 2006 -- John H. Francis Polytechnic High School (Poly) students announced today that they raised more than $34,000 for the school's annual Toy Drive, totaling a remarkable $100,000 in contributions over the past three years. The event marks the 13th year of Poly's Toy Drive, which delivers toys to underprivileged families in the San Fernando Valley during the holiday season.

"We are very proud of the Polytechnic students' efforts," said Polytechnic Principal Dr. Janis Fries-Martinez. "Our school has a history of caring and involvement in our local community. The students have once again come through with extraordinary results. This is a wonderful example that great things can happen when an entire school works together with a common vision."

"It was exciting to be a part of the Toy Drive. We know that we can make a difference in our community. The students worked into the evenings and on weekends to help raise the money. We know that because of Poly students many families will have an extra special holiday season. " said senior Elicia Salcedo. The student team leadership advisors are teachers Brian LeClair and Kitt Heilborn.

Toy Drive efforts began in July of 2006 with community business donations initiated by Poly High School students. A series of activities culminated in December when students raised nearly $20,000 over a 10 day period through a homeroom campaign. Students purchased toys from KB Toys in Sun Valley, and more than 5,000 toys were turned over to fire department personnel and taken to a warehouse for distribution to families during the holiday season.

Polytechnic's efforts support the Los Angeles Fire Departments "Spark of Love" program. Poly's cash contributions are the highest of any corporate or non-profit organization in the City of Los Angeles for this program.

Polytechnic High School in Sun Valley is the second oldest school in Los Angeles (Los Angeles Unified School District) with its origins reaching back to 1897. Poly has demonstrated excellence in academic achievement, with Academic Performance Index scores increasing by 141 points over the past five years (469-609). Poly is a Title I school, with 88 percent of student's families considered low income households, earning $26,000 a year or less.

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