Merrick Avenue Kickline Team Collects Toys

When Lexi Baldinger, of the Merrick Avenue Middle School Kickline, wanted to donate to Toys for Tots, she knew she could rely on the support from the rest of her team. When she brought the idea to Kickline Coach Sue Danis, their collection began.

Since Thanksgiving, all 22 girls on the Kickline have been gathering toys for the foundation. They set up their own collection station at MAMS and on Dec. 13 they sent the box of toys to the U.S. Marine Corps for distribution. “It’s great that they want to help children who aren’t as lucky as them,” said Kerry Baldinger, Lexi’s mother.

The girls held an impromptu practice for the Herald before getting set to donate their toys. They performed original routines mixed with references to renowned dancers like Beyonce.

Toys for Tots began in 1947 when Major Bill Hendricks of the Los Angeles Marines Corps Unit donated 5000 toys to children who otherwise wouldn’t receive any gifts for the holidays. After its success, the foundation went nationwide. Every year it collects and distributes an average of 7million toys.