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Teams Launched to Date:

The Toy Town Stars
In late May 2023, the Toy Town Stars embarked on a remarkable Venture with a two-fold plan to support abandoned and abused animals in their community. As part of their plan, these dedicated students undertook the task of creating a commercial-style video. Their goal was to raise awareness about the heartbreaking issue of abandoned and abused animals while encouraging viewers to take action and support local organizations like Ahimsa Haven Animal Rescue, Winchendon Animal Control, and Gardner Animal Control. In addition to their awareness campaign, the students meticulously organized a detailed fundraiser. They poured their creativity and hard work into handcrafting delightful dog and cat toys, as well as delicious dog treats. Their labor of love culminated in the sale of these items at the highly anticipated Annual Taste of Winchendon Event, held on May 13th. With their marketing skills and dedication, the students successfully showcased and sold their handmade creations, capturing the hearts of event attendees. We are thrilled to share that their efforts paid off, as they raised an impressive sum of over $500! These proceeds will be donated to the aforementioned animal shelters, making a tangible difference in the lives of these vulnerable animals.

Check out their video on our Youtube Channel here: https://youtu.be/npSQcGCXe5Y 

Toy Town Changemakers
This year's Toy Town Team continued the theme of helping animals this year. This group learned about the number of animals that were hurt every year by litter and pollution. So, employing their strength of art, combined with their love and care for protecting animal wellbeing, the Toy Town Changemakers created unique stickers and signs to put up around town, encouraging residents to think twice about littering and its impact on animals.

Check out a video that features this project on our Youtube Channel here: After School Changemakers (youtube.com)

Toy Town Helpers10 kids stand on stage while raising a giant check
This year's Toy Town Team is dedicated to, and passionate about, helping the Gardner Animal Shelter. The Team collects and donates supplies and raises money for the shelter. They are holding a donation drive located at their school. Their fundraiser is a Scooby-Doo gummies and graham crackers sale for one week during all lunches. Snacks will be delivered to students a few days before school ends. The Team learned about the significant amount of homeless animals and how so many of them end up at a local shelter. The Team really feels a need to help these animals live the best possible life!.

Toy Town Helpers
This whole-school Venture Team is giving kids in hospitals an opportunity to read books to lift their spirits. Inspired by one of their own members of the 4th and 5th grade leadership team, Madi, who started Madi’s Book Nook at Heywood Hospital (mobile cart of books for youth ER patients to read and take home), the Team decided to expand her Book Nook and make one available at HealthAlliance Hospital in Leominster. Through their research, the Team discovered that the average ER visit was two hours long, and without something to do or read, kids can be very bored. They hosted a book drive and have collected 350 books to get the Book Nook started in Leominster.