Vroom. Vroom. Students of Ed Bolton and Melissa Gable’s chemistry classes brought in 1,280 Hot Wheels to support needy children through the Toys for Tots program.

“MHS collected about six Hot Wheels per student and Lafayette collected about two Hot Wheels per student,” Bolton said. “The results here have wildly exceeded my expectations.”

Bolton said his wife first came up with the idea after seeing their nieces and nephews’ love for Hot Wheels.

“Hot Wheels are great because they’re inexpensive, readily available and valuable to children,” Bolton said.

The teacher’s classes competed against each other and the winning hour of each teacher receives a cookie cake party.

“The drive encourages students to be more involved in the community,” Gable said. “It raises the morale and spirit at MHS.”

Nick Davis, sophomore, brought in 21 Hot Wheels.

“My mom went out and bought a lot because she wanted all the kids to have toys,” Davis said.

Davis said he couldn’t care less about the inter-class competition because giving is more important.

Both Bolton and Gable said they want to continue the drive every year.

“I imagine I will do it indefinitely,” Bolton said. “It shows how small contributions can make a big difference.”

Bolton’s classes brought in a total of 776 Hot Wheels, with the winning second hour class bringing in an average of 12.83 cars per student. Gable’s classes brought in 504 Hot Wheels, with the winning fourth hour class bringing in an average of 13.83 cars per student. “I hope to overfill Toys for Tot’s bins at drop-off!” Bolton said.