THE ACTIVE KINDNESS CLUB is having a “Fun Run” to benefit Toys for Tots Dec. 14. Above, the club’s team at the Walk to End Alzheimer’s in October.
Courtesy photo

High school seniors urge community to attend, help good cause

By Keri Luiz
Assistant Editor

In its short existence, Benicia High School’s new club, Active Kindness, has already raised funds for a pair of causes, participating in a local Walk to End Alzheimer’s in October and the Solano Turkey Trot on Thanksgiving.

But they’re far from done.

On Dec. 14 the club will have its own event, the Holiday 2-mile Fun Run, to benefit the Marine Corps Toys for Tots Foundation, which distributes toys for the less fortunate.

President Marissa Colon, who founded the club with fellow senior Emily Villarreal, said they both believe in healthy living, exercise and giving back to the community.

“I donated to a few charities as Christmas gifts for my family, in their name, and I wish that I could have donated more, but I’m just a high school student,” Colon said. “So I thought (about) having the community get involved in participating in more events while being healthy.”

“It’s a way to push myself and give back to the community as much as I can.”

In fact, members of Active Kindess plan to run, walk or bike in Bay Area charity events every month.

“We’re just really excited. It’s a first for us,” Villarreal, the club’s vice president, said. “In junior year you’re more focused on yourself, because you need to focus on your grades and make sure you get all the right qualifications to get into college. Now that we’re in senior year we kind of have everything locked in, so it’s nice that we get to do what we want.”

They said while they are starting out small, they hope to get local businesses involved in sponsoring their events. “It’s kind of difficult right now, because a lot of them are more out to donate to other things that seem more credible,” Villarreal said. “But we’re working on that.”

The Toys for Tots branch at Travis Air Force Base signed on to the event, to be held at Benicia High School. Marines will represent the foundation.

Colon and Villarreal don’t just want people to participate. They’re hoping people come in style.

“We want people to wear their craziest Christmas outfits. We’re going to have a contest and give them a prize,” Villarreal said.

“Everyone is invited. It’s not just a school event, but it’s for the whole community to come together and give back.”

If You Go
Active Kindness Club’s Holiday 2-mile Fun Run to benefit Toys for Tots will take place Dec. 14 at Benicia High School, 1101 Military West. Registration is from 7:30-8:30 a.m. with the run beginning at 8:45 a.m. Entry fee is $10 for ages 8 and up, or a donation of a $10 toy.

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