Here at Emmanuel Christian Academy, our students do more than complete assignments, they serve. One of our own, thirteen‑year‑old Noelle Toney, has become an unlikely beacon of generosity. She grew up enjoying festive holidays and, even as a child, understood that joy feels fuller when it’s shared. “I’ve always had really big, nice Christmases, and I wanted kids who weren’t as fortunate to experience the same thing,” she told local reporters . That simple wish lit a spark.
When she was just ten, our student launched Noelle’s Impact Foundation, a grassroots effort that turns donated toys and coats into hope for families across Akron. Together with family friends and her church community, she began organizing holiday donation drives. Over the past few years she has collected hundreds of toys right here at our school . Her classmates and teachers rally behind her, filling boxes with dolls, games and warm coats. The work isn’t glamorous, but it is profoundly human, and it reminds everyone involved what the season of giving truly means.
This winter, Noelle teamed up with the Strong family and Providence Baptist Church to organize a “Stop the Violence” toy and coat drive. Born from tragedy, the event was designed to transform pain into purpose by giving children something joyful to hold onto. The organizers aimed to provide hundreds of toys and coats to kids in need . By turning sorrow into generosity, they hoped to encourage positive choices and foster peace within their community. We’re proud that one of our Rams is helping lead such healing work beyond our walls.
Noelle’s efforts have not gone unnoticed. Recently, the Soul of Philanthropy recognized her with its Outstanding Youth Philanthropist award, celebrating her leadership and compassion . Her story, complete with a video presentation—is now on display at the Akron Art Museum, and she admits that the honor made her “feel seen” . For a teenager balancing homework with charity work, that acknowledgement underscores how even small acts of kindness can reverberate through a community. As a school, we couldn’t be prouder to see one of our students honored in such a public way.
Noelle’s journey reminds us that philanthropy isn’t reserved for adults with deep pockets. It begins with a desire to make someone else’s life brighter and grows through persistence and community support. From her early start here at Emmanuel Christian Academy to her recent award, she proves that small hands can deliver big gifts, and that empathy has no age limit. As we prepare for the holidays, her example invites all of us, students, parents and faculty, to look around, see who might need a bit of help, and give from the heart. This is what happens when you are dedicated to Educating Children in the Spirit of Excellence.