Sisters from Bellmore-JFK provide ‘a little holiday happiness’

John F. Kennedy High School sisters Lexi Baldinger, a senior, and Marci Baldinger, a freshman, collect donations for the “Toys for Tots” organization every year. This year, with support from kickline coach Stephanie Roth and business teacher Roseann Zocchia, the Future Business Leaders of America club adviser, the girls were able to continue their tradition.

Since eight-grade, Lexi and her teammates have collected toys during basketball games. But since sports games are not being held this year due to the coronavirus pandemic, the collection became more difficult. So, the girls engaged the FBLA club in their effort, recruiting businesses and corporations as an additional way to help kids in need.

Last year, Marci was inspired by her older sister to set up donation boxes at Merrick Avenue Middle School. As Lexi moves on to college, Marci will continue the toy collection at Kennedy.

Although it’s been a tough year, the Baldingers wanted to do what they could to give back to others, and together they collected toys at school and from family and friends to make a large donation to the organization.

Provided by Kerry Baldinger; compiled by Alyssa Seidman.