Katelyn Richards, an 9th grade student at TAHS  is really feeling the spirit of Christmas.

For the second year, Richards is organizing a toy drive for sick children at Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh.

Richards is collecting toys from now until December 19th in both the middle school and high school.

“I want to have this toy drive for the kids that can’t go home this Christmas,” said Richards.

Richards feels a special connection to Children’s Hospital because her younger sister Courtney was treated at Children’s Hospital for a collapsed lung as a newborn.

“Children’s hospital saved her life,” said Richards.

This is the drive’s second year and Richards is excited about doing it again.  Last year she collected 200 toys between TASD and the Tyrone Hospital.

“I walked away from this experience last year knowing that one person can truly make a positive impact in the lives of many,” said Richards,”That makes me want to aim higher. Our goal is to collect and deliver 300 toys this year.”

Richards got the idea for the toy drive after seeing other organizations holding similar drives.

Any student, teacher or staff member can donate a toy in the elementary and high school main offices or the the middle school lobby.

Richards asks that the toys be new, but they do not need to be expensive.

“It’s the thought that counts,” said Richards.