North Hills student-athletes support Ross West View Toy Drive, Families in need
![Ross WV Toy Drive NH SALT]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1765824522/nhsdnet/amfqmnhbx9tzowgr5cqw/TOYDRIVE2025.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1765824522/nhsdnet/amfqmnhbx9tzowgr5cqw/TOYDRIVE2025.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1765824522/nhsdnet/amfqmnhbx9tzowgr5cqw/TOYDRIVE2025.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1765824522/nhsdnet/amfqmnhbx9tzowgr5cqw/TOYDRIVE2025.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1765824522/nhsdnet/amfqmnhbx9tzowgr5cqw/TOYDRIVE2025.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1765824522/nhsdnet/amfqmnhbx9tzowgr5cqw/TOYDRIVE2025.jpg","width":2200}])
Heather Pelat
North Hills' Student-Athlete Leadership Team (SALT) played an active role in supporting the Ross West View Police Toy Drive, helping bring holiday cheer to hundreds of local families this season.
From Dec. 8-12, community members who donated a new toy received free admission to any home North Hills athletic event, an initiative that helped encourage giving while showcasing the strong connection between North Hills athletics and the community.
SALT members assisted with several key aspects of the toy drive throughout the week. On Saturday, students volunteered at a toy drive event held at Studio Raw. The following day, SALT students joined police officers at Target to help shop for additional gifts, ensuring a wide variety of toys would be available for families.
On Monday, students helped sort donated items at the Ross Community Center ahead of the community shopping event. When the doors opened, more than 400 families in need were welcomed to select gifts for their children for the holiday season.
In total, the toy drive collected more than $4,000 worth of toys valued at approximately $15,000, along with more than $20,000 in cash donations. The original fundraising goal was $15,000; however, once donations surpassed $20,000, Ross Police Sgt. Matt Immekus and West View Police Det. Matt Pavlecic honored a lighthearted promise to sing “Santa Baby” live outside the Ross Township Target, an event that took place Sunday and added to the festive spirit of the drive.
The Student-Athlete Leadership Team includes 45 student-athletes representing all 21 North Hills sports. SALT’s mission is to empower students to lead with integrity, inclusion, and respect, both on and off the field. The group is sponsored by Athletic Director Pat Weber and Director of Student and Community Engagement LaMont Lyons.
Through their service and leadership, SALT students once again demonstrated the powerful role student-athletes can play in supporting their community and making a meaningful impact during the holiday season.