As shopping for gifts ramps up this holiday season, students and faculty from Octorara Area Career and Technical Education Programs (OACTEP) are asking the community to purchase an extra gift for a child in need, which will be distributed by the Chester County branch of Marine Toys for Tots.

Now through Wednesday, Dec. 7, local residents can purchase a toy online by visiting https://yougivegoods.com/oactep-toys-for-tots-drive-event. The website offers a variety of options for shoppers ranging from dolls and action figures to arts and craft kits and puzzles. The toys come in a wide range of prices.

All those who donate a toy will be emailed a tax receipt at the time of purchase. The toys that have been ordered online will be shipped directly to Chester County Toys for Tots at the conclusion of the drive. More information about the group is available at http://www.facebook.com/T4TChesterCounty.

Lisa McNamara, director of career and technical education for the Octorara Area School District, said that the goal of the drive is to collect 200 toys.

"The students in career and technical education programs are involved in student organizations like FBLA, FFA, SkillsUSA and TSA. They always do fundraisers individually for their programs, but we wanted to do something as a large group - as an OACTEP family - to benefit children in the community," she said. "In looking at different (options), we saw a virtual Toys for Tots, which that makes it easy and convenient (to donate)."

The students are promoting the Toys for Tots drive in their various areas of study. For example, students in the graphic design and illustration program have created flyers about the toy drive.

McNamara said she will track how many toys are donated and update students on how the drive is going. "We have 231 kids in our program," she said. "If every kid could get at least one person (to donate) or donate themselves, (we would reach the goal of 200 toys."

Several students have already donated toys, as have local businesses that are part of the OACTEP Occupational Advisory Committee. The committee meets with the faculty twice each year to provide input about programs offered at the school. During their visit, the businesses leaders enjoy a meal provided by culinary arts students.

"Industry partners come in and meet with the teachers and look at our curriculum, our equipment and the certifications and tell us if they meet the standards," McNamara explained. "These kids will graduate with the most updated standards and certifications in their industries."

The Octorara Area Career and Technical Education Programs are open to students in grades 10 through 12. Courses prepare students for careers in business, woodworking, engineering, childhood education, graphic design and illustration, culinary, law enforcement, firefighting, emergency medical services, computer technology, animal and plant science, agriculture, engine repair, welding and more. For more information, visit http://www.octorara.k12.pa.us/domain/67.