A group of six third-graders from West Freehold School in Freehold Township have started a toy drive called Toys 4 Smiles with the goal of helping children impacted by Superstorm Sandy.

The girls started collecting toys in November because they wanted to see these children smile during this holiday season.

During the week of Dec. 16, the collected toys will be donated to families in Union Beach, N.J., as part of a holiday “shop” where residents will be able to select the toys they want at no cost and bring them home.

Third-graders Isabella Galvanek, Samantha Rivera, Alyson Sweeney, Ava Suhocki, Caroline Speck and Natalie Moradian started working on this project before Thanksgiving, meeting several times at the Galvanek house to decorate the posters and collection boxes needed for the cause.

After an overwhelming response not only from the Freehold community, but surrounding towns as well, the girls are elated to be able to make a substantial donation.

“I thought this would be a nice thing to do with my friends because it would help kids who lost their toys during the storm. It makes me feel excited when I see all the toy boxes filled with lots of toys,” Isabella, age eight, said.

Isabella, Samantha, Alyson, Ava, Caroline and Natalie look forward to taking part in the holiday “shop” event.

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