Panther Valley Holiday Heroes Toy Collection and Distribution
The Panther Valley School District, in collaboration with their community partners, are launching the Panther Valley Holiday Heroes toy collection and distribution program for 2026.
Organized and operated directly by the school district and their partners, the initiative aims to temporarily fill the gap left by the vacancy of a Toys for Tots campaign in Carbon County for the 2026 Holiday season. The district is appreciative of all the efforts the Schuylkill-Carbon Marine Corp League put towards the campaign for many years and is hopeful that another organization will take over the campaign in the future.
The district has collaborated with some of their long-standing partners and new partners to create an interim program. The program is open to children from birth through 12 years of age (or currently in 6th grade) who have a primary residence within the district's boundaries.
Please read the information below in full for all the information about the program. Information is also posted on the front page of our district website. Questions about registration should be directed to Mr. Palazzo, Assistant to the Superintendent, via email at palazzor@panthervalley.orgParticipation Requirements
To participate in the Holiday Heroes program, each child must have a primary residence within Panther Valley School District zip codes 18232 (Lansford), 18240 (Nesquehoning), 18250 (Summit Hill), or 18218 (Coaldale). Children must be no older than 12 years of age (or up until 6th grade). Organizers hope that every enrolled child will receive at least unwrapped gifts specific to their age and gender from community donations collected throughout the drive.In-Person Registration Dates & Location
Just as it was required for the Toys for Tots campaign, in-person registration is mandatory for children to receive gifts through the campaign. No phone, email, or virtual registrations will be accepted. Registration will take place on the following days and times. You must have all required registration documents at the time of registration. No exceptions.
Thursday, October 22nd - 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. outside of the Panther Valley Elementary School
Monday, October 26th - 3:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. in the lobby of the Panther Valley Junior Senior High School
Saturday, November 7, 2026 - 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. in the lobby of the Panther Valley Junior Senior High School
Registration Requirements & Custody Protocols
The program is following the same registration requirements as Toys for Tots. Only a child's biological parent or legal guardian with physical custody is permitted to register a child and pick up gifts. Registration requirements vary slightly based on school enrollment status:
Enrolled Panther Valley K–6 Students: Parents/guardians must present a Photo ID matching a parent or guardian with physical custody listed in the Sapphire portal. Birth certificates are not required for students currently enrolled in PVSD grades K–6.
Pre-School Children & Other School-Age Students: Parents/guardians registering children who are not yet school-age or attend another Local Education Agency or school must present a Photo ID, proof of residence, and the child's birth certificate (or legal custody paperwork matching the ID name).
Proof of Residence: If the address listed on the photo ID does not display one of the four qualifying zip codes (18232, 18240, 18250, or 18218), separate proof of residence within the district must be presented that matches the name on the photo ID.
Gift Distribution Logistics
Upon completing registration, each parent or guardian will receive a numbered ticket. Toy pickup will take place on Friday, December 11, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Nesquehoning Recreation Center. The numbered ticket issued during registration must be presented at pickup to claim gifts. All gifts will be pre-selected by volunteers and distributed unwrapped. You must pick up on this date. No exceptions.
Gift Drop-Off Locations and Partners
The following local partners will be drop-off locations for anyone wishing to donate a new unwrapped toy. We hope to have bins placed at locations this week. We are not accepting stuffed toys or clothing.
Nesquehoning: Mauch Chunk Trust Company in Redners, Narrow Valley Sportsplex, and No. 3 Cafe
Lansford: No. 9 Coal Mine & Museum, Valley Athletic
Summit Hill: St. Joseph’s Church/Knights of Columbus Panther Valley Council #17300 & Hiles Bros.
Other: Country Inn & Suites in Lehighton
We would also like to thank the following partners: United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley, St. Luke’s University Health Network, Carbon Career and Technical Institute, and the Greater Lehigh Valley Realtors Association.
If you have a business that would like to be a drop off location or your business would like to make a monetary contribution to this program, please call Emma Hope, United Way of the Greater Lehigh Valley Community School Coordinator, at the elementary school (570-669-9411).