11th grade student Vanesa Lopez-Iraheta is collecting donations ahead of a Toy Drive on Friday, December 22, at the Central Fire Station in Chelsea (307 Chestnut Street)

CHELSEA, Mass. – Inspired by a desire to help those in need, especially during the holiday season, Chelsea High School 11th grader Vanesa Lopez-Iraheta is giving back to the youth in her community by organizing a toy drive that will provide holiday cheer for children in Chelsea. 

“Chelsea has been nothing but a supportive and caring community to me, I wanted to give back  to my community who fundamentally built the foundation of who I am today,” Vanesa commented. “Chelsea has demonstrated to me no matter how big or small I have the power to change the environment around me.”

"During the holiday season, we have many examples of our community’s generosity. This is the case with our very own Chelsea student, Vanessa Lopez-Iraheta, who has taken on the initiative to collect toys for children in our city. Vanessa genuinely displays a drive to provide joy with a toy for as many children as possible. We should all celebrate Vanessa’s heartfelt passion to bring a smile to the children of Chelsea. Congratulations Vanessa! We are proud of you," commented CHS Principal Obed Morales.  

Vanesa started advertising in and around Chelsea, using social media and sharing information with local organizations in the community. Some of her classmates and others helped spread the word. This marketing plan caught the eye of Senator Sal DiDomenico, who organized a special moment to support Vanesa’s endeavor.

Last Wednesday (December 13), Vanesa was called to the Main Office where DiDomenico and members of the DiDomenico Foundation were waiting to surprise her with toys they collected at the annual DiDomenico Foundation Toy Drive. In the blink of an eye, games, puzzles, dolls and more filled the school lobby for Vanesa to take with her. 

Vanesa added, “These children deserve to spend their holidays enjoying it as much as I did as a kid, years back. I always remembered my parents, no matter what was going on financially, they made sure the holiday season was filled with laughter and love. I want to make sure these kids are provided with that same feeling of love and support through toys that I know not a lot of people have the luxury to access.”

Toys have continued to pile up at CHS, and the generous act of one student will benefit many youth in the city. 

Donations are being accepted until Friday, December 22nd. On the evening of the 22nd, the toy drive will be hosted at the City of Chelsea Fire Station at 307 Chestnut Street from 5:30pm-7:30pm.