Snow forms a thick, white blanket across picturesque lawns, faint beginnings of “Jingle Bells” make their way through town, and ever so slowly, children begin to awake from their slumber. Christmas is here! Racing downstairs, the children eagerly scout out their mound of gifts. For many, this encapsulates their Christmas tradition. However, this is hardly the case for all. During the holiday season, many families fall victim to financial strain or further exacerbation of already extenuating monetary circumstances. Providing bare necessities becomes difficult, which often leads to the complete abandonment of Christmas gifts within families. This is when charity becomes involved. A foundation like the Walter and Connie Payton Toy Drive aids in providing local children and families with a joyous, fulfilling Christmas.
Jarrett Payton, son of the acclaimed Chicago Bears running back Walter Payton, attended Saint Viator and graduated in 1999. After the death of Walter Payton, Jarrett continued his father’s charitable legacy by resuming and reinventing parts of his foundation. One of these reinventions included a local toy drive, which distributes toys to children in financially troubled circumstances. Founded nearly two decades ago, the Walter and Connie Payton Toy Drive has remained a pillar of the Saint Viator community during the holiday season.
“I remember how much excitement surrounded the drive back when I was a student. The competition among grades seemed to only increase each year,” said Spanish teacher Ms. Elyse Slezak ’09.
Formerly, Jarrett Payton would come to Saint Viator each year and promote the drive to students in a presentation. While  COVID put a damper on these visits, the drive and its mission continue with strength. This year, Student Council has made a large push to promote and raise awareness for the drive, hoping to instill its mission and goals within the student body.
“I see the collection boxes every time I walk into school and hear the announcements each day. It constantly reminds me how important giving back is,” said Junior Gianna Scarsella.
Giving back to those in need within the community reflects one of the core Viatorian beliefs: service. Through this drive, students work to uplift those around them and recognize those who need such help.
“Viator students may sometimes take Christmas blessings for granted; I think that the drive is a great way to create a magical and memorable Christmas for those who are less fortunate and show students just how influential they can be within the world,” said Theology teacher Mr. Brian Hansen ’11.
The Walter and Connie Payton Toy Drive prevails as an irreplaceable component of local holiday charity, providing continual joy for the children on the receiving end and fostering the holiday spirit of giving.