Over 100 new unwrapped toys including kids bicycles were collected last Saturday, headed up by several local groups and businesses at the annual Christmas toy drive. People showed up from all around Middle Tennessee to enjoy free hot chocolate and admire the cars, trucks and motorcycles at the parking lot of Warehouse Discount Groceries (WDG).

This year Tree City Cruisers along with Three Peas in a Pod, Mrs. Kim’s Home Childcare and Rob Wolford’s annual toy drive teamed together to make this toy drive and cruise in a big success. Armor of Light Motor Ministry also assisted with the event.

Pam Minton of Three Peas in a Pod was excited to help sponsor the drive. “The weather couldn’t be better for it this year,” she smiled as folks generously donated gifts and enjoyed the hot chocolate she and her co-workers prepared. “It feels so good when all the community gets together for a good cause like this.”

Several large bins of toys were collected in addition to bicycles. Some were donated to the Ron Hillis Memorial Toy Drive. The remainder was donated to the Light of Atlantis Toy Drive. Some of the toys were also earmarked for St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.

This is the first toy drive headed up by Tree City Cruisers. Last year, Ervin Dixson, the vice president of Tree City Cruisers, headed up a bicycle drive and donated the bicycles to area organizations to hand out for Christmas. 

Armor of Light Motor Ministry members assist in the community as needed including car shows, cruise-ins, benefits, fundraisers and motorcycle events. The next Armor of Light benefit is for Peggy King Haston on Dec. 2 at Dayspring Community Church.

Tree City Cruisers and Armor of Light Motor Ministry teamed up in August to do a benefit for local McMinnville police officer, Maggi Fann.