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Highlands Today

Christmas Toy Drives Revving Up

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By Bill Rettew Jr. | Highlands Today

Published: December 6, 2007

Go ahead, complain about the commercialization of Christmas.

But when you do, remember the kids and that at least six organizations and hundreds of local residents and bikers are banding together to provide needy children gifts for Christmas.

Santa might not be able to hand deliver presents to every Highlands County child, but people like Tony Ballard are working year-round to make kids smile.

Ballard solicits donations all year long, and as the event nears, he works daily to provide the finishing touches.

"It's indescribable to see a child's face," said Ballard. "Whether it's a bicycle or a toy — seeing their eyes when they're getting something they might not otherwise is the best possible feeling you can get."

Ballard has worked closely for eight years with local churches, including the First Christian Church in Avon Park, to organize toy drives for about 75 children.

Those who donate unwrapped gifts will have the chance to see the kids open those presents.

Bikers and anyone interested in riding along in any type of vehicle will leave First Christian Church on Saturday, Dec. 8 and ride by police escort to the Lake Placid Revival Action Family Worship Center.

As many as 200 bikers participated in the past, with about 100 bikers on recent rides.

"You get a bunch of motorcycles – especially Harleys – and it's a pretty good rumble," said Ballard. "We shake some windows when we start up."

Ed Robson is working with the Corvette Cruisers of Sebring to collect Toys for Toys.

At least 20 Corvettes will be displayed at Scoops Ice Cream Parlor, on Saturday Dec. 8, from 5 to 8 p.m., and Robson urges everyone to bring a toy.

"We're a fun group and we wanted to help people," said Robson. "It feels really good when you're helping people.

"I'm from Michigan and Christmas is really blah for me here, but it's starting to feel like Christmas again."

Local Toy DrivesToys For Tots Car Show

SEBRING — Corvettes Cruisers of Sebring and Scoops Ice Cream Parlor presents the Toys For Tots car show Dec. 8 from 5-8 p.m. at Central Plaza, 2175 U.S. 27 N.

Donate new unwrapped toys.

For more information, call Ed Robson at 863-991-5271.

Sebring Dollar General Collecting Toys

SEBRING — Sebring's Dollar General is collecting toys for its Avon Park American Legion Toys For Tots Drive until Dec. 20.

Customers are invited to purchase a gift from the store, located at 2870 U.S. 27 N.

Avon Park American Legion Auxiliary Unit 69 members then pick the gifts for distribution.

The Dollar General in Sebring is in their fifth year of working with the American Legion.

'Stuff The Bus' Toy DriveSponsored By Annett

SEBRING — There are several locations that will be collecting new, unwrapped toys for the fifth annual "Stuff The Bus" toy drive sponsored by Annett Bus Lines.

Toys for children ages 2 through 12 may be dropped off until Dec. 20 at the following locations: Annett, 130 Madrid Drive, Sebring; Heartland National Bank in Sebring 320 U.S. 27 N., Lake Placid 600 U.S. 27 N., Avon Park 930 U.S. 27 S.; Signs Now, 2520 U.S. 27 N. and Wells Dodge Chrysler, 1600 U.S. 27 S., Avon Park.

An Early ChristmasFor Local Kids

LAKE PLACID — Rev your motorcycle engines and bring an unwrapped gift for a needy child to the 8th annual Food and Toy Run on Saturday, Dec. 8 at the First Christian Church, in Avon Park.

The kids will meet their benefactors and receive gifts later – following a police escorted ride – at the Lake Placid Revival Action Family Worship Center.

The public is invited. This event is open to motorcycle riders and drivers of all vehicles, and no donation is necessary.

Tony Ballard started the event in December of 2000 and saw it grow from two dozen motorcycles to more than 200 one year.

Ballard rides a Harley-Davidson Softail.

"We're not sponsored by any club or organization and it's not specifically just for Lake Placid," said Ballard. "Nobody goes home disappointed."

For more information, call Ballard at 452-8570.

Gifts Needed For 'Happy Tree'

SEBRING — The Sun 'n Lake of Sebring Improvement District is again sponsoring the "Happy Tree," located at the 19th Hole, to help raise gifts for needy children.

Continuing to Dec. 18, donors can visit the "Happy Tree" and retrieve a card. On the back of this card is information on the child that would be receiving the gift.

The wrapped gift(s) can be sent to either the 19th Hole or the district office.

Lake Placid ChamberOf Commerce Toy Drive

LAKE PLACID –– The Greater Lake Placid Chamber of Commerce is taking new and unwrapped gifts at the chamber office, 18 N. Oak Ave., Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.

The toy drive will end on Dec. 13.

For more information and questions, contact Eileen May at 465-4331.

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