It all started from a holiday writing assignment.  A few years ago, a student wrote a letter saying that she wasn’t getting anything for Christmas, but was still grateful for what she had. JT teacher, Ms. Casiano, read her letter and immediately reached out to one of Santa’s favorite helpers – her brother – Miguel “Hefty” Ortiz. Hefty, a biker with a big heart, rallied his club to not just make Christmas merry for the little girl, but make sure as many JT kids as possible would experience the spirit of Christmas.

That’s how the JT annual toy drive was born. On September 27, 2021, Hefty Ortiz passed away due to COVID complications, but his caring heart continues. The toy drive is now the JT Brackenridge “Hefty” Toy Drive to honor its Guardian Angel.