Local business will host Cruise In & Fall Festival to help Toys for Tots

BLUEWELL, W. Va. (WVVA) -For about two decades. Toys for Tots has worked to bring toys to thousands of children in our area who would otherwise have nothing under their tree on Christmas morning. A local Toys for Tots leader says the need for toys in our community grows more each year, but this year, they expect it to be even greater.

“We have a huge need for support for Toys for Tots in our area, especially with Hurricane Helene coming through our area. I know it’s very likely that many of our families will be left behind when it comes to preparing- se for the holiday season…” explains Charlie Smith, the local community organization coordinator for Toys for Tots, “… and as we all know, the economy has been tough on us all year and it makes stretching that dollar to get toys to kids this Christmas season even harder.”

King’s Tire Services in Bluewell has been working with Toys for Tots for the past nine years and has been looking for ways to increase its impact. They decided to start a new cruise and fall festival to help raise much needed toys and continue the legacy of their former owner.

“Our owner, Sam, loved kids. And since he’s passed away, it’s been in my heart to just help kids…” says Trena Shinault, manager of King’s Tire Service’s Bluewell store, “.. .The need is great. We didn’t realize how great until, you know, you work with the Toys for Tots coordinators…”

The event will have fun for all ages, from classic cars to vendors and even a clown. Shinault says they’re expecting a big turnout.

Smith says it’s “humbling” to see the community support his important mission.

“It’s wonderful that we have people in our community who really want to go the extra mile and put on these types of events for our Toys for Tots organization and this area. We’re so grateful. This program couldn’t work if it weren’t for our community partners,” says Smith.

Smith and Shinault encourage the community to come out and show their support for the children in the community.

If you would like to take part in this event, it will be held this Saturday 19th October at the King’s Tire Service location in Bluewell.

Bringing your car into the Cruise In costs a toy worth $25 or more. Entrants are eligible for first-place ($800 set of tires), second-place ($300 yeti cooler) and third-place ($125 car detail) prizes.

If you’re looking for toy gift ideas, Smith suggests things like Lego sets or board games that a family can play together, or more unusual things like fishing gear.

If you miss this event, you will still have other opportunities to donate, including this website and the white boxes located at many locations in the area.

Copyright 2024 WVVA. All rights reserved.