Members of Carmel Mayor’s Youth Council (CMYC) pose for a photo during their valet bike parking service at the Carmel Farmers Market on July 9. President Bhavi Vishnumolakala said CMYC Bike Parking is the only event run by CMYC that generates revenue for the council.

Carmel Mayor’s Youth Council (CMYC) plans to hold their annual National Junior Honors Society (NJHS) toy drive on Dec. 9. According to CMYC president and junior Bhavi Vishnumolakala, the drive will raise money for Riley Hospital for Children.

“It’s a really big project, we always get a lot of toys and do a big event here in the high school where we all wrap toys and get them ready for the kids,” Vishnumolakala said. “We also have the Holiday in the Arts District event coming up where we get to help out with Santa. We’re currently planning for the winter season.”

According to sponsor Candy Martin, CMYC has always helped the community through charity work.

“(The public) reaches out when they need help with projects around the community,” Martin said. “Be on the lookout for the blue shirts with CMYC on the front. Ask them a question about CMYC and learn from their point of view on what CMYC means to them and how they made a difference to the community.”

Vishnumolakala said she agreed with Martin and encourages people to get involved with CMYC.

“Apply to CMYC! Come to events!” Vishnumolakala said. “There might be a stigma around it, like it’s exclusive, but you can get involved without actually being a member of the council.”

Along with the toy drive, CMYC is planning various other events. According to Martin, they will host multiple dodgeball and basketball tournaments this fall. The group’s annual Paws and Pages event was canceled.