In 2011 junior Taylor Klein started a Halloween candy drive where people pledged money for each piece of candy she receives on Halloween, with all proceeds benefitting a charity of her choice.

Klein started the drive her freshman year and raised almost $1,000 for St. Louis Children’s Hospital, followed by over $800 in 2012.

“Since I am too old to go trick or treating, I wanted a way to make a difference while also participating in my favorite holiday,” Klein said.

The week before Halloween, Klein collects pledges throughout neighborhoods such as County Green, Fox Creek, Oakleighwoods, Wildwood, Claymont and part of Baxter and Spring Oaks.

“Originally I wanted to give the candy to the kids at the hospital, but I could not because of dietary restrictions and allergies so I just keep it every year,” Klein said.

Juniors Janzen Fritschle, Kennedy Michael and sophomore Sarah Booth, along with senior Andrew Eickmeier will be participating in the fundraiser.

This year Klein is planning on donating the money she raises to the Erin Eickmeier Foundation. Eickmeier is a sophomore born with Cri du Chat syndrome.

Cri Du Chat syndrome is when a part of chromosome 5 is absent. This results in people having high-pitched shouts, slowed growth and difficulty communicating.

“I changed from St. Louis Children’s Hospital to the Erin Eickmeier Foundation because I volunteered there this summer. I felt as though the foundation would appreciate the money more than a well-known hospital in St. Louis. Maybe it will get people attention about kids and adults with disabilities,” Klein said.

Eickmeier’s parents started the foundation in 2003 and their mission is “to enrich the lives of ambulatory children and adults with disabilities with recreational and residential opportunities which respect and embrace their individual preferences and needs.”

For more information about the Erin Eickmeier foundation log onto: http://www.erinfoundation.com/The_EEF.html