Pleasant Valley Elementary School held its annual Toys for Tots Parade, in which 920 students and their teachers walked through the main hallway leading into the lobby to place their toy into large black bags on Friday morning.

“The generosity is just amazing,” said Assistant Principal Sarah Adams. “Districtwide, we received 804 toys. Of that, 438 toys were collected here at PVE.”

Staff from the district office wanted to be part of the day’s event, so they were the ones holding the bags open.

John Dickson has been the Monroe County Marine Corps Toys for Tots coordinator for over two decades. He was at PVE watching all the excitement.

“I can’t do this alone; everyone is part of this community effort to put smiles on kids’ faces Christmas morning,” he said. “I need to know they’re smiling. It’s how I’m still going after 21 years.”

PVE staff said that is how he got his nickname, “John the Toy Man.”

As teachers led their students, most of whom donned festive outfits, the Grinch gave high-fives, PV Superintendent James Konrad and PVE Principal Roger Pomposello waved and clapped, and others jingled bells.

After the parade, Dickson and his helpers loaded a U-Haul with more than 35 bags, a tall white box with the Toys for Tots logo and containing toys, a bicycle and one other large item.

The toys will be sorted and given to Monroe County children in need this holiday season.

The tradition will continue at PVE next Christmas. Santa and the Grinch will be back, Adams said.