Toms River Girl, 11, is Special Olympics 'Ambassador'

An 11-year-old Toms River girl has raised thousands of dollars for Special Olympics New Jersey and has become an ambassador for the program, organization officials said this week.

Alyssa Lego, a student in Torrey McGrath’s fifth grade class at North Dover Elementary, led a month long fundraising effort to support the Special Olympics New Jersey (SONJ).

As an Ambassador for the Special Olympics New Jersey in support of the American Girl Fashion Show, an annual SONJ fundraising event, Alyssa was responsible for volunteering, promoting the show, soliciting donations, and fundraising, according to a statement from SONJ.

She distributed flyers, asked local businesses to hang posters, sold program ads and solicited online donations. Alyssa also came up with her own fundraising ideas – including forging an agreement with Cherry’s Ice Cream Shoppe in Toms River and to host an ice cream event for family, friends, classmates and local patrons. Cherry’s donated a portion of the sales to the cause.

“I’m privileged to participate and compete in the sport I love,” said Alyssa. “But for athletes with special needs it is not always easy. Yet their sprit and determination is just the same as mine. It is important for me to help all athletes realize their dreams.”

Alyssa also gave credit to her family, friends and school officials.

"My Mom helped me create and distribute the posters," she said. "Principal Colleen McGrath allowed me to speak during morning announcements, my teachers past and present and classmates helped me spread the word, and my friends Juliana and Alia were by my side helping me along the way and serving ice cream at the Cherry’s event."

Alyssa has already raised about $1,000 this year, and expects to raise more than the $1,500 she raised last year.

In addition to her work with SONJ, Alyssa helps kids fighting pediatric cancer as part of the Kidz-4-Kidz program and has led several food drives in support of The Foodbank of Monmouth and Ocean Counties. Alyssa has also volunteered for the World Cup Super Star cheer team for athletes with special needs and is a junior camp assistant at The Learning Experience Academy of early Education in Manalapan.

Alyssa is described as a "straight A" student at North Dover Elementary, and says she is inspired to help those in need by her younger brother, Michael.

Those interested in donating to SONJ can receive more information at Donations for SONJ are being accepted online at: https://secure.sonj.org/american-girl-ambassador.