Three cheerleading squads from Fullerton Rec Co-ed Cheerleading are raising money to compete at U.S. Finals after winning first place at Nationals during the Garden State Championships competition last month in Toms River, N.J.

Coach and commissioner Nadia Duran Mullen and team manager Karin Cardenas are organizing coin tosses and bake sales at Redner's Warehouse Markets and Wal-Mart as part of their fundraising efforts.

"We need $2,000 just to go," Duran Mullen said. "The kids are just really, really wonderful. They go out and train hard. They also do tons of community service, like volunteering at soup kitchens and church carnivals."

The Maroon Tornadoes, ages six and under, won the Tiny Division at the Garden State Championships.

"We call them our little divas. They work it, and their confidence is amazing," said Duran Mullen.

The White Lightning, ages 10 and under, won the Pee Wee Division.

"They have a lot of talent. They do everything. When they hit the floor, everyone watches them," Duran Mullen said.

The Senior Twisters, ages 18 and under, won the Senior Division.

"Their stunting is amazing. A lot of people compare them to an all-star team and they're not," said Duran Mullen.

U.S. Finals are scheduled for May 8 and 9 in Virginia Beach, Va.

"It is an honor to even go. We consider ourselves winners no matter what. We're looking forward to the experience and the memories we are going to make," Duran Mullen said.

The Fullerton cheerleaders are appreciative of the support from the community, including local businesses, through their donations.