The DeSoto Independent School District is excited to
announce the 2025 Annual Superintendent’s Toy Drive, benefiting both the
Chocolate MINT Foundation’s Christmas Candyland event and Dr. Dinah
Marks’ Fill-A-Tundra initiative, which provides coats, gloves, and socks
for children and families in need.
“As an educator, my favorite gift is watching our scholars
grow and shine every day,” said DeSoto ISD Superintendent Dr. Usamah Rodgers.
“This holiday season, we invite our community to join us in spreading joy.
Every donation—whether a toy, coat, or pair of warm socks—helps ensure that
children and families in DeSoto and Glenn Heights experience comfort and
happiness this December. Together, we can make this season magical for all.”
Toy & Donation Drive Details:
- When:
Monday, November 17 – Friday, December 12, 2025
- Where:
All DeSoto ISD campuses and the Instructional Support Center, 200
E. Belt Line Road, DeSoto
- What
to Donate: New, unwrapped toys for school-aged children and new coats,
gloves, or socks for children and families
“Every year, we are amazed at the generosity of our
community,” said Felicia Frazier, co-founder and executive director of the
Chocolate MINT Foundation. “This year, we’re especially hoping to see
donations for boys ages 8–11 and our preteens. Your support helps children
experience the wonder of Christmas—face painting, balloon fun, photos with
Santa or even the Grinch, a journey through Candyland, and a shopping spree to
select their own gifts!”
New This Year – Fill-A-Tundra:
“Warm clothing is more than comfort;
it’s a lifeline for children during the winter months,” said Dr. Dinah
Marks, founder of Fill-A-Tundra. “Thanks to our partnership with DeSoto
ISD, we can provide coats, gloves, and socks to families who need them most,
ensuring that no child has to face the cold unprepared.”
Families interested in attending the Christmas Candyland
event can register online via the Chocolate MINT Foundation’s website.
Participants should bring their email confirmation to the event for entry. The
event is free of charge to all families.
For those who cannot donate in person, gifts or warm
clothing can be shipped to DeSoto ISD at 525 Ray Street, DeSoto, TX 75115.
The district is also collaborating with the Chocolate MINT Foundation to
provide an Amazon wish list and an online donation option to
support the purchase of gifts and winter essentials.
Last year, the combined efforts helped more than 400
children enjoy festive activities, receive toys, and obtain essential
winter clothing.
Get Involved:
- Donate
a toy, coat, gloves, or socks
- Ship a
gift or give online
- Register
your family to attend the Christmas Candyland event
- Share
your #DeSotoJoy moments on social media to inspire others
For more information on the 2025 DeSoto ISD
Superintendent Toy Drive, email [email protected].
Let’s make this holiday season the warmest and brightest
yet—one toy, one coat, one smile at a time!