Vantage helps provide Christmas toys

Van Wert independent/submitted information

With no Toys for Tots operating in Van Wert County again this year, Lee Kinstle GM Sales and Service teamed up with the local Salvation Army to help collect toys for area children in need through the “Toss A Toy” truck program.

To meet this challenge, they enlisted the help of Vantage Career Center, the Van Wert YMCA, Central Mutual Insurance, Braun Industries, Alspach-Gearhart Funeral Home & Crematory, the local Ag Credit office, and Van Wert Family Physicians to help make this Christmas a happy one for needy area children.

Vantage students and staff raised more than $1,600 for the cause by holding several fundraisers. A jeans day and ugly sweater contest were held first, followed by a dodgeball tournament, a candy cane sale, a penny stall and the sale of paper Christmas trees for the commons area.

Career Tech programs also donated money to buy toys, with Building & Grounds donating the most money to the cause. Amy Grothouse, Junior Cosmetology and VCC teacher, spearheaded the effort at Vantage. On December 11, her VCC students took a shopping trip to Walmart to purchase toys to add to those that staff and students had donated.

“A couple of my students told me that this (shopping for the toys for kids) would be the best part of their Christmas,” said Grothouse. “I am so proud of all Vantage students for the effort they put toward this project. My heart just bursts with pride.”

Lee Kinstle’s Eric McCracken and his team were very happy with the results. “The Vantage students see the need and rise above to get it done,” he stated.