Bringing Joy to Local Children Through Toys for Tots

For Cassidy McCormick, leadership means using her voice to rally others for a cause. As a senior elementary education major and financial secretary of the Student Government Association, she took the lead in organizing the Toys for Tots drive on PennWest’s California campus.

Her mission was simple: collect as many toys as possible for children in need. But what started as a campus-wide effort quickly grew into a community-wide movement, thanks to strategic partnerships with local businesses, student organizations, and the California Borough Police Department.

“This wasn’t just about collecting toys—it was about making sure every child had something to smile about during the holidays,” McCormick said. “The community really stepped up, and we ended up donating more than ever before.”

That generosity translated into 267 donated toys and over $1,000 raised, breaking previous records. Though she didn’t get to personally hand out the gifts, she knew the impact would be felt.

“When I heard how many kids were able to pick out their own special gift, it hit me—this wasn’t just a drive, this was hope,” she said. “And that’s something we can all be part of.”

Listen to Cassidy's story on the Power of PennWest Podcast