Montevallo High School business students are joining Santa’s elves in collecting toys to fill every child’s stocking on Christmas morning. The students are members of the Future Business Leaders of America–Phi Beta Lambda organization.

“Each semester the group does some type of community service project,” said advisor Samantha Lapsley. “This year, they all wanted to do something a little different for the Christmas season. They decided to sponsor a toy drive to collect toys for toddlers, children and teens that are not as fortunate as they are.”

She explained that each member agreed to spend $10 of their own money and some of the money in the organization’s account. Teachers, staff and other students were also encouraged to donate toys. The gifts will be delivered to Shelby Emergency Assistance and distributed by them.

FBLA-PBL is the largest business career student organization in the world. It is a non-profit education association with a quarter-million students preparing for careers in business and business–related fields.

There are 24 active members of the 2008-09 MHS chapter. The officers are co–presidents Merry Grace Payne and Tialeigh Stoudmire, secretary Erika Villa-Perez, treasurer Maria Wagner, parliamentarian Sela Cabrera and historian Keri Trosclair. The chapter meets about twice a month where they learn leadership skills and plan projects that support the community. During homecoming, the group sponsored a successful food drive. The food was channeled through SEA to families in need.

“We are so proud of these students,” said Hettie Wagner of SEA. “Their willingness to give of themselves represents the real holiday spirit. Without the help of organizations like theirs many children in our area would wake up on Christmas morning to find their stockings empty.”

The students would love your donations to their Christmas project. Toys may be dropped off at the MHS office between 7:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. For information, contact Samantha Lapsley at slapsley@Shelbyed.k12.al.us.

Catherine Legg can be reached at clegg2@bellsouth.net.