This year marked the first annual “Mario’s Toy Drive” for Miami Arts Studio. This toy drive had already been conducted for several years at Coral Park Senior High school under the supervision of Mr. Pena. The drive was created in the name of one of Mr. Pena’s former students who had sacrificed his life defending our nation. The entire drive had been a collaborative effort between Mr. Pena and Mario’s older brother Manny as an effort to honor the memory of their fallen soldier.

Miami Arts Studio Rho Kappa members through the guidance of Mr. Pena were able to establish this annual charity event at their school and did so with great success. The honor society members spent countless hours preparing collection boxes, packaging toys, and prepping them for delivery to the Ronald McDonald House. The effort of these students gave less fortunate children the ability to experience the joy of Christmas despite whatever their unfortunate circumstances.