The Spirit of Giving
Building a Culture of Kindness at Our School
The holiday season is a meaningful time to reflect on gratitude, generosity, and community. At The Laurel School, our boutique private school in Toronto, nurturing students goes beyond academic excellence—it includes teaching empathy, kindness, and social responsibility. Each year, our school proudly hosts our Annual Toy, Food, and Clothing Drive, launching at Thanksgiving and during the holidays. This beloved tradition reflects our core values and our ongoing commitment to supporting families in our local community and across the city of Toronto.
Why Giving Matters
Giving back plays a vital role in a child’s social and emotional development. When students participate in acts of kindness, they build empathy, responsibility, and a deeper awareness of the challenges others face.
Through our holiday drive, students learn that generosity isn’t just about donating items—it’s about making a meaningful impact. These experiences show our students that no matter their age, they have the power to help create positive change. Acts of giving create a ripple effect of care, compassion, and connection throughout our community.
How Families Can Get Involved
We invite Laurel families to join us in making this year’s Toy, Food, and Clothing Drive a success. Here are the three ways you can contribute:
Toy Drive
Help spread joy by donating new or gently used toys for children in need. All toy donations will be delivered to North York General Hospital, in partnership with the Toronto Police Service, helping brighten the holidays for children and families receiving care.
Clothing Drive
Help keep newcomers warm this winter by donating gently used winter clothing, including coats, hats, gloves, sweaters, and pants. Donations will support the HENS Program (Home Essentials Newcomers Support), providing essential items to newcomers to Canada with limited resources.
Meaningful Teaching Moments for Our Students
Throughout the drive, Laurel School students will participate in age-appropriate discussions and activities that emphasize the importance of giving back. From creating thank-you posters to raising awareness within the school, students gain hands-on experience in leadership, teamwork, and compassion—skills that extend far beyond the classroom.
Strengthening Our School and City Community
This initiative is about more than collecting donations. It’s about bringing together students, families, and educators around a shared purpose. By working together, we strengthen our school community while making a tangible difference across Toronto. Every donation, conversation, and act of kindness matters.
At The Laurel School: A Heartfelt Thank You
We extend our sincere gratitude to all the families who support this initiative year after year. Together, we’re not just donating toys, food, and clothing—we’re sharing hope, warmth, and a sense of belonging.
Let’s make this year’s Toy, Food, and Clothing Drive a meaningful celebration of generosity and community spirit. Together, The Laurel School can continue to light up the holiday season with kindness and compassion.
Join The Laurel School Family
If you want to learn more about how your child can thrive at The Laurel School, please get in touch with our Admissions team at admin@laurelschool.ca or book a tour. We would be happy to discuss our approach to learning and show you the magic of being part of our Laurel family for child care and private school education for Toddler, Preschool, Kindergarten and Grades 1-6 programs.