Annual Student Council Toy Drive Gets a New Name

A cherished holiday tradition at Avon Old Farms School is taking on a new name this year. The student-led effort formerly known as ‘Toys for Tots’ has been rebranded as the ‘Winged Wishes’ toy drive, while the mission and spirit of the event remain the same: to bring joy and hope to children in need throughout the Hartford area.

For years, the Avon Old Farms Student Council has organized a series of festive fundraising activities to support Hands on Hartford, a local nonprofit dedicated to assisting economically disadvantaged families. The funds raised go directly toward purchasing toys, which are delivered to children just in time for the holidays. This year, the renamed Winged Wishes continues the tradition with a fresh identity inspired by the school’s beloved Winged Beaver mascot.

“Our new name, Winged Wishes, reflects our school’s unique community and spirit while staying true to our mission of making Christmas morning magical for kids who might otherwise go without,” said Logan Glass, Corresponding Secretary of the Student Council. “We’re excited to start a new chapter of this beloved tradition.”

The campaign features several classic Avon Old Farms fundraisers, including themed dress-down days, raffle prizes, and festive meals. Highlights include:

• Dress-Down Days: Beginning December 3, students could purchase wristbands for $20 to participate in four themed dress-down days, giving everyone a chance to showcase their holiday spirit.
• Raffles: With two different raffles to purchase tickets for, students have plenty of chances to win fun prizes (all donated by faculty, alumni, and local businesses) while contributing to a worthy cause.
• Pasta Dinner and More: Community favorites like the pasta dinner and Dunkin’ Donuts orders on the day of the school’s annual Boar’s Head Festival support fundraising efforts for the toy drive. 

The campaign culminates in a heartwarming tradition: two days before winter break, the Student Council and volunteers use the funds raised to shop for hundreds of toys, which are proudly displayed on the Brown Auditorium stage before being delivered to Hands on Hartford to stock up their holiday toy shop.

While the name change was necessary due to trademark restrictions on the term ‘Toys for Tots,’ the heart of the effort remains the same. “We aim to spread hope and happiness to children in our community,” Glass said. “Winged Wishes is all about making a meaningful impact while celebrating the holiday spirit as a school community.”

For more information about the Winged Wishes Toy Drive or to support the initiative, please contact our student council faculty advisor Mickoy Nichol by phone 860-404-4288 or email nicholm@avonoldfarms.com.