The day that you have been waiting for has arrived. You run down the stairs only to be greeted by bright paper and ribbons, boxes and bags. Finally, you can open that brand new game system or the designer handbag you have been wanting for months. For you this could be the best day of the year, but for others this is just any other day. In fact, there are many poverty stricken families in Virginia who won’t be getting anything this season. That's when Friends of Frosty comes in.

The local charity program Friends of Frosty is stepping up once again this holiday season to present toys to disadvantaged children and their families.

For senior Tess Engebretson, co-organizing Friends of Frosty was an easy decision. “It feels so good to know that you helped a bunch of families' Christmas’s become so much better.” Engebretson said.

Last year, approximately 50 boxes packed with toys were shipped directly down to Florida where Hurricane Wilma victims received their only Christmas gift that season. This year Friends of Frosty chose to team up with the Marine Toys for Tots foundation.

Although not as many donations have been collected this year compared to previous years, co-organizer Senior Melissa Belardi is confident in the capabilities and bigheartedness of McLean students.

“Usually this school is pretty generous,” Belardi said. “It’s still too early to say how many toys we will be shipping as of now, but I am confident that students will begin to bring in more and more as time goes on.”

Acceptable toys include action figures, books, board games and dolls. However, many items cannot be accepted due to concern abpit the possibility of lead poisoning. Every toy has to be approved before it can be donated.

Along with Toys for Tots, the SGA gets involved in other charity events that benefit local students. Last year, McLean donated clothing to Youth for Tomorrow, an organization for teens who have been victims of rape or get in trouble. In addition, McLean was able to send approximately $ 400 over to cancer patients through the Heavenly Hats charity event.

Last year, McLean also hosted a prom for Pimmit High School by donating dresses and decorations. “In total we donated over 150 dresses and about $200 in decorations,” Belardi said.