For the third year, students at the Culpeper Technical Education Center (CTEC) are turning LEGO bricks into a way to spread joy, hope and kindness to children battling cancer.

Throughout September, CTEC’s Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) and National Technical Honor Society (NTHS) are sponsoring the annual LEGO Drive in memory of Kendrick Jenkins, a 2020 Eastern View High School graduate and Culpeper Sheriff’s Office Cadet who passed away in 2021 following a courageous battle with childhood cancer.

Kendrick was known for his creativity and lifelong love of LEGOs. In his memory, his family established Team Kendrick, which collects LEGO sets each year to donate to children receiving treatment at pediatric cancer centers.

The CTEC drive is held in recognition of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and gives students, staff and community members an opportunity to support Team Kendrick while carrying on Kendrick’s legacy.

Last year, CTEC HOSA and NTHS students collected 167 LEGO sets, which were presented to Kendrick’s parents, Tammy Souder and Jonathan Jenkins. The drive was part of the larger Team Kendrick community effort to bring smiles to children facing cancer.

This year’s drive will run September 1–30, 2026. Community members are invited to donate new, unopened LEGO sets at:

Culpeper Technical Education Center

All donated sets will be distributed to children facing pediatric cancer at area hospitals.

Every LEGO set donated is more than a toy—it is an opportunity to brighten a difficult day for a child while honoring the memory of a young man whose story continues to inspire the Culpeper community.