Prairie State Wire

Altamont Community High School is organizing a toy drive this fall, led by student Karly Brummer, who is currently undergoing treatment for leukemia. The initiative aims to collect new toys and activities for patients at St. Louis Children’s Hospital from September 22 through October 6.

Suggested donations include board games, card games, Legos, fidget toys, dolls, Play-Doh, art and craft supplies, stuffed animals, toy cars, baby toys, and books. Organizers emphasize that all items must be brand new to ensure patient health and safety. Donations can be delivered to Mrs. Elam’s classroom during the collection period.

"Karly’s strength and generosity have inspired her classmates and teachers to join her in making a difference. This toy drive is a way for the entire ACHS community to show support not only for Karly but also for countless children and families facing difficult times."

The Altamont Community Unit School District 10 includes both Altamont Grade School and Altamont High School within Effingham and Fayette counties (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/). According to the Illinois State Board of Education data (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/), the district employs 54 teachers with an average salary of $49,144 before pension contributions; women make up 81.6 percent of staff while men comprise 18.4 percent. No teacher has recorded more than ten absences in a school year.

Demographically, the district is composed of approximately 96 percent White students, with small percentages of Black, Hispanic, and Asian students (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/). In fiscal year 2020, spending per student was $16,148 with total expenditures reaching over $10 million (https://www.illinoisreportcard.com/).

"Let’s come together as one school, one community, and help bring joy to kids who need it most. Together, we can spread hope—one toy at a time."