MILWAUKEE — At Four Seasons Skate Park in Milwaukee, 13-year-old Bobby Merkt from Delafield is turning his passion for skateboarding into purpose.
Merkt, who has been skating since he was 5, organized his second annual "Skate for Tots" event Saturday night - a skateboarding competition that collects donations for the U.S. Marine Corps' "Toys for Tots" program.
"The kids that are in need, they need a Christmas like everyone else. They need fun and toys, and I want kids that can't have that to have that," Merkt said.
The event has grown significantly since last year, when Merkt collected more than 100 toys for children in need.
He says this year brought more people and sponsors to the competition, which featured both street skating and bowl competitions.
"We all have this one magic wooden toy in common that brings us all together," Professional skateboarder Dakota White said.
White praised the young organizer's efforts .
"To get all skaters in the Midwest together, but be able to give back to the community as well, and to have it run by a young, promising skater is a really amazing thing to see," he said.
For Merkt, skateboarding provides more than just fun - it's a stress reliever that connects him to a supportive community.
"I love the culture, the people, and the art," he said. "It gets my mind off of school work and stress and everything."
The eighth-grader organized the entire event himself, promoting it through his Instagram account.
"I feel good helping some kids out, also helping the building and the skate park out. Just having a good time and making the skate culture come together," Merkt said.
For those who couldn't make it to the event, Merkt says there are lots of ways to help this holiday season: donate toys elsewhere or donate your time.
This story was reported on-air by Kaylee Staral and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
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