Orphanage to get toys and more

What began as a Christmas toy drive for a Mexican orphanage has snowballed into an avalanche of generosity that even surprised its organizers at Immaculate Conception School.

For the previous decade, the school has donated toys each Christmas to the Santa Maria Guadalupe Girls Orphanage in San Luis Colorado, Son. This year, donations will help 34 girls ages 4 to 12 years old, said Barbara Compton, parent of twin girls who attend Immaculate Conception.

"Once it became apparent there was much more needed than presents, we decided to collect more substantial items: oil, flower, sugar and school supplies."

Compton praised the students for seeing beyond the glitter of mere holiday shopping, including her own daughters. "It really shows that one 13-year old person can have an impact."

Layne Compton, 13, an eighth-grader at Immaculate Conception, noted it was shocking all the presents that came through for the orphanage when the toy drive kicked off.

"We didn't expect to get that many presents for those girls. But when we saw how generous people were, we decided to try for something lots bigger than just toys."

Classmate Audrey Close, 14, said she thought the expanded project was "cool" because the school was involved with additional appeals.

"It wasn't the only thing we had going on. We also had a drive for Crossroads Mission but we still got great response for both of them."

Jose Valencia, 13, said he hope the donations will bring smiles to the faces of all the girls at the orphanage and gives them a happy Christmas.

Sydney Compton, 13, Layne's fraternal twin, said what they really needed was "ordinary stuff," just simple things in life people can appreciate.

"It's a small sacrifice from us but it can make a big difference for them."

Lydia Mendoza, Immaculate Conception principal, said the donations are all part of the required 12 hours of community service all eighth-grade students need to complete for their confirmation. And, she added, parents have been very supportive of the program since its inception.

"With the current state of the economy, it was an impressive effort of how generous our families were. I was thrilled with all the staples the parents came through with for the orphanage."

Mendoza added that in the past, the school pooled all the toys in one anonymous donation. This year they are personalizing gifts by addressing each present to individual girls.

"Our kids truly know and understand Christian service."

Compton said Immaculate Conception will be meeting orphanage representatives Monday to turn over all of their gifts.

"Our school may not be real affluent but when it comes to giving, they are rich in charity."