South Johnston High School's baseball program is certainly getting in the holiday spirit.

  Keith Durham, athletic director and head baseball coach at South Johnston, reports that returning and prospective players are undertaking a community service project that has been very successful in the past. 

South Johnston baseball is holding its sixth annual Toys for Tots toy drive, and over the last five years the baseball program has raised over $15,000 to buy toys for children. One way that money is being raised this year is that the players are selling one-dollar raffle tickets for a $100 gift card at Wal-Mart.

The baseball program actually realizes no money on this project; all the money goes to buy toys for needy children. On Saturday, December 18, the team will travel to Wal-Mart in Smithfield where the players will purchase the toys themselves. The United States Marine Corps reserve will be on hand to receive the toys from the players for Toys For Tots.

Once again we have an excellent example of an NCHSAA member school and its athletic program doing something positive. As Durham says, "We are so pleased that our young people are supporting a worthy cause by giving of their time and energy."

We congratulate South Johnston and its baseball program for its consistent commitment to the community.