Our recent Toy Drive was an example of what can happen when a school community comes together with generosity, empathy, and purpose. From our youngest learners to our parent volunteers and staff, every group played an important role in making this effort impactful.
Elementary students donated some of their own toys, thoughtfully choosing items that were still in great condition and ready to be enjoyed by another child. In Middle School, students demonstrated an incredible sense of responsibility and compassion, achieving 100% participation, with every student contributing at least one toy. Our High School students took on leadership roles, helping organize, sort, and prepare the donations, ensuring everything met hygiene and quality standards.
We were also deeply grateful for the support of our parent community. A group of dedicated parents volunteered their time to clean, sort, and carefully package each toy. Their attention to detail ensured that every donation was safe, respectful, and ready to be given with dignity.
To complete the effort, St. Paul American School Hanoi provided a school van and three staff members to personally deliver the toys to an orphanage located approximately 50 kilometers outside of Hanoi. By doing this, we were able to support our partner organization, Help Hanoi’s Homeless, by removing the need for them to raise additional funds for transportation. This small but thoughtful decision helped ensure that more resources could go directly to supporting children rather than logistics.
This toy drive was a lesson about empathy, service, and understanding how thoughtful actions, big and small, can make a real difference. We are proud of our students, grateful to our parents, and thankful to our staff for making this initiative such a success.
“Hello parents and students of St. Paul American School Hanoi. I would like to introduce myself. I am Sister Teresa Bich, currently in charge of the Shelter. The Shelter is caring for and supporting more than 30 disadvantaged individuals, including orphans, people with disabilities, those who were abandoned, elderly people living alone, and single expectant mothers facing unplanned pregnancies.
Today, on behalf of the Shelter, we would like to sincerely thank the parents and students of St. Paul American School Hanoi. A little warmth at the end of winter and the early breath of spring in the new year have brought the most heartfelt love through the gifts that the students prepared and shared with the less fortunate people at the Shelter. On behalf of all the nuns and the children here, we thank the parents and students of St. Paul American School Hanoi once again. We wish everyone a New Year filled with good health, peace, and happiness. Thank you very much.”
