Toy giveaway at EVSC's Daniel Wertz Elementary incites cheerful frenzy

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Originally published December 2019

EVANSVILLE, Ind. — Students at Daniel Wertz Elementary went into a joyful frenzy Friday afternoon as they impatiently waited during the school's JAKKS Pacific Pacer Toy Giveaway.

Nearly 300 children frantically formed a line as school administrators and Evansville Police Department officers began passing out gifts from the toy company, which ranged from stuffed Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson figures to miniature skateboards and doll sets.

"It was a great feeling to know that we were making their holidays a great experience and to give them a little more joy leading up to this season," Principal Nathan Steele said. "This was an awesome surprise for our kiddos today."

Steele said EPD Chief Billy Bolin approached him about the toy giveaway weeks ago, and he and other faculty members gladly accepted the invitation to host the event. The biggest challenge, he said, was keeping the secret from the students.

In partnership with Papa John's, the Indian Pacers and EPD, JAKKS Pacific Toys gave out hundreds of donated gifts to students at Daniel Wertz, as well as other schools throughout the state.

EPD spokesman Jason Cullum said the giveaway event first took place in Evansville three years ago. And with the involvement of the police department and other local organizations, it's helped families unable to provide toys bring added joy to their children, he said.

"This is a great way to connect with kids," Cullum said. "There are families that are working hard every day in our community that aren't going to have a Christmas that looks like other folks' in Evansville. So, getting a gift here today is a big deal for some of these kids."

The toy company has also held giveaway events at Joshua Academy and Caze Elementary in previous years.

Cullum said the remaining gifts from the event will be distributed during another giveaway event in Evansville next week. An announcement will be made leading up to the surprise program, he said.

"Right now it's super top secret, but it's going to replicate itself next week," Cullum said. "We're going to put some more smiles on people's faces. So stay tuned."

— Courier & Press