Genevieve Vallejo, a senior at Mercedes High School, has launched the Genevieve’s H.O.P.E. Foundation 4th Annual Christmas Toy Drive, which aims to bring joy to the children of Mercedes.
“I have been blessed to have the support of my school district, local businesses, churches and community,” Vallejo said in a letter. “I am currently working on several community service projects and plan to continue to promote awareness for community service involvement and the need for youth volunteers. I am excited to share that throughout the years I have increased the number of Mercedes ISD students volunteering at my community service projects. Again this year, I plan to invite Mercedes ISD students to join me in helping give children a better holiday season through Genevieve's H.O.P.E. Foundation 4th Annual Christmas Toy Drive through toy wrapping events and the day of toy distribution.”
Vallejo’s dedication to service is also seen through her student extracurricular activities. She is an active member of the MHS STEM Academy, the Mighty Tiger Band, FFA, National Honor Society, and serves as Student Council Parliamentarian and President of the RGV-LEAD Ambassador organization.
“I would love to continue to make this community project available to all the clubs within our district, from elementary to middle school, to MECA, MAA, and the High School campus,” Vallejo said. “This is a great opportunity for these clubs to participate and make an impact in a community service project, while also having the opportunity to earn volunteer hours for those clubs that require community service hours.”
Vallejo emphasized the link between community service and college readiness, drawing from her experience in the STC dual credits program and recent visits to Ivy League and East Coast universities.
“This is another reason, I encourage and invite our MISD students to volunteer in my community service projects,” she said.
For more information about Genevieve's H.O.P.E. Foundation 4th Annual Christmas Toy Drive, contact 956-246-3157.