What began with 13 Dragons over Thanksgiving break in 2020 has grown into one of Southlake’s most heart-warming annual student-led traditions. The Candy Cane Project, founded by Carroll students, is a nonprofit dedicated to providing food and gifts to underprivileged families in the DFW area at Christmastime.
In its first year, the group delivered more than 50 meal baskets and over $1,750 in donated items to local families and nonprofits. Five years later, the impact has multiplied: The Candy Cane Project has raised about $18,000 and provided food and gifts to around 550 children.
Today, an 11-member student board leads the effort, supported by dozens of volunteers who show up on packing and drop-off days to wrap boxes, assemble treats and load cars.
“It’s taken time to find the right people for each role,” says Sriya Badireddi, Project Candy Cane’s head of marketing.“But seeing the community rally around these families makes all the work worth it.”
This season, the Candy Cane Project’s annual toy drive runs through December 12, collecting new, unwrapped items like plush toys, LEGO sets, art kits, board games, sports balls, headphones and gift cards for infants through teens. One gift at a time, these Dragons are making sure more North Texas kids feel seen, celebrated and cared for this Christmas.
Items for donation can be dropped off at Southlake Style's office at 520 E. Southlake Blvd., Suite 100 on Dec. 2, 4, 9, 11 & 12 from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m., and on Dec. 5 from 8:30 a.m. until noon.
Toy Drive Donation List:
Infants & Toddlers (0–3 years) Soft plush toys (machine-washable) Board books with textures or sounds Stacking blocks or nesting cups Musical toys (small drums, xylophones, rattles) Push-and-pull toys Baby bath toys Soft blanket sets or sensory play mats
Preschoolers (4–6 years) Play-Doh kits or Crayola art sets LEGO Duplo sets Toy cars, trucks, or trains Dress-up costumes (Disney, firefighter, doctor kits, etc.) Educational puzzles and shape sorters Picture books (Dr. Seuss, Pete the Cat, etc.) Stuffed animals with themed outfits
Elementary Age (7–10 years) LEGO sets (Star Wars, Minecraft, Friends) Science experiment kits or slime sets Board games (Candy Land, Guess Who, Uno, Connect 4) Craft kits (friendship bracelets, bead jewelry, painting) Action figures or dolls
Sports balls (soccer, basketball, football) Remote-control cars or helicopters
Tweens & Teens (11–15 years) Headphones or mini Bluetooth speakers Art journals and sketch supplies Gift cards ($10–$25 for Target, Amazon, Starbucks, etc.) STEM kits (robotics, coding games) Books or YA novels (Percy Jackson, Hunger Games, etc.) Fashion accessories or makeup starter kits Puzzles or stress-relief fidgets
Universal & Charitable Add-Ons Holiday-themed wrapping paper or gift bags, personalized “from our charity” tags or stickers, a flyer or QR code linking to your cause’s story, or a small handwritten note from donors or kids in your program