Round Rock Opportunity Center’s (RROC) 40 staff members have amassed over 1,100 gifts for this year’s Round Rock Blue Santa project.

The gift drive is part of the school’s campus improvement plan for supporting campus connections and meeting children’s holistic social and emotional needs.

“All children are entitled to healthy childhood memories. One of the ways to accomplish this goal is the assurance that they have gifts to open on Christmas Day,” said Dr. Gwen Thomas, school counselor and Blue Santa campus coordinator. “This project united teams on a level that encompassed compassion, kindness and giving.

This marks the RROC’s second year participating in the Blue Santa toy drive. After collecting 75 toys last year, the staff took it to another level this year by breaking into teams for a friendly competition.

“The outcome has exceeded my expectations,” said principal Donald Bosier. “Initially, the goal in my head was 200 toys. A staff of 40 has collected a staggering 1,121 toys for Central Texas children, including 12 tricycles.”

At the heart of Round Rock Opportunity Center’s campus life are four fundamental pillars: campus culture, curriculum, community engagement, and discipline. “Students are actively supporting and cheering on the staff,” said Bosier. “The commitment to service and generosity embodies our daily goal of instilling hope and changing lives.”

Blue Santa is accepting donations of new unwrapped toys through Tuesday, Dec. 12 at 2120 N. Mays St. Suite 100 in Round Rock.