SHADY SPRING, WV (WOAY) – Local car clubs held another cruise this weekend, but this time they were fundraising for Toys for Tots.
The Shade Tree, Yesterday’s Rides and Brothers of the Will East Plateau Car Clubs have all joined together to raise funds for Toys for Tots. According to Shade Tree’s treasurer and secretary Stephanie French, it’s part of a new initiative they’re doing to ensure every child gets a gift this holiday season.
“Shade Tree Car Club has implemented our new program and charity called Trunks for Toys. And what we’re doing is we are forming here at Shady Spring High School today and we are asking all of our patrons to please donate a small toy or monetary donation,” French said.
Toys for Tots has been active for more than 70 years and this year they’re going to be more important than ever due to the pandemic. Many families are struggling financially and Toys for Tots is hoping to help out where they can.
“With the unemployment rate the way it is and people not working due to COVID, we do not want our children in our county and surrounding counties to go without this year.”
Toys for Tots doesn’t only raise funds during the holiday season. They’re active year round ensuring children everywhere get toys. The Greenrbier and Pocahontas Coutny Toys for Tots coordinator J.P. Stevesns says that he wants to go above and beyond this year to make sure all families have a good holiday.
“The COVID and unemployment is really gonna hurt the economy this year and it’s gonna be tough. The Toys for Tots motto is ‘every child deserves a toy.’ I also ramp that up a little higher. In my county we say every child deserves a Christmas,” Stevens said.
The car clubs rode all the way to Hinton today to help bring awareness to Toys for Tots, and all the funds they’ll need to ensure this holiday season is great for all children. Anyone looking to make a monetary or toy donation to Toys for Tots can contact their individual county’s Toys for Tots coordinator.