SOUTH-CENTRAL : Students Turn Class Into Toy Workshop

James Lillie is feeling a bit like Santa Claus these days. With less than a week remaining before Christmas, Lillie and his student toy makers are racing to finish their goods.

For nearly three months, Lillie’s wood-shop classes at John Muir Junior High School have been transformed into a toy workshop where teen-agers have spent hours making 100 small cars, jigsaw puzzles and scooters for needy children.

“You know, all you ever hear is negative stuff about the schools out here,” Lillie said. “The idea here is to let people know (the students) are not all ‘bangers and don’t just want to be thuggers and muggers.”

The plan to turn class projects into holiday gifts began in late October with Lillie, Principal Emily Brooks and several other administrators. They wanted to create a program that would teach about 100 students to care about the needs of their community.

The lesson appears to have been learned.

“It’s cool to do this, ‘cause a lot of these kids don’t have toys,” said Josue Comparan, 14.

“Yeah, it’s for a good cause, and if it’ll make somebody happy, well, that’s enough,” said Jesoria Flores, also 14. “We don’t expect anything from this.”

Getting the project going has not been easy. Lillie has provided the wood for the toys, come in on Saturdays to work and coped with occasional power outages.

“This is part of the whole notion of school being a community,” Brooks said. “The students learn the importance of nurturing and support.”

The toys will go to families selected through school counselors and to community programs connected to the school.

Information: (213) 971-4361.