Toys 4 Tots

Wow for the first run my wife and I really enjoyed the turnout for the toys for tots run. First we met Daryl at Flames for breakfast then we went over to Big Lots for the toy run. There was around 15 rigs that showed up for the run and it was great meeting everyone for the first time. We started out on Hillsdale to Meridian then we took Meridian to San Carlos and when we went by 4 Wheel Parts store everyone honked there horns. When we arrived at Christmas in the park we did a one time around the park then when we went in to the area to turn the toys over to the Marines soldiers that were there to take the gifts and they gave us a christmas cd and a flower to the women that were in rigs. After that the ones that had other things to do went on there way and some of others went over to the bowling ally. I really enjoyed the run and I'm already looking forward to the next outting that I will be able to attend.

Bob Bragg

Christmas Time

 

This is my trip report for the Saturday December 13th.

Kathy, grandson Jaden, and myself packed up all of the Pajamas that were gathered and tendered to us for distribution along with toys that we gathered for the Toys For Tots donation. We left our house about 8:55 and headed over to pick up Dede to join us. Mike had to work would not be able to join us. We arrived fashionably Esprit de Four late, at about 9:10am at the Cambrian Plaza shopping center. What a sight! There we found members and friends all involved with conversation and taking pictures of the decorated vehicles. All in all there were 16 vehicles with some decoration on all.

We headed out after a short driver meeting to the County of Santa Clara Children's Shelter. The shelter is only about three blocks away. We were greeted by one of the staff by the name of Mark. Mark was a little taken back at the amount of people and vehicles there for the event. Mark went and had some kids along with some more staff come out and meet us. The kids were quite excited to see Santa Claus and came up and got and gave hugs with Santa. A cart was brought out to the front and bags and bags of PJs were loaded into the cart. The last count that I had was 242 PJs. This was really impressive to me to see that large pile of PJs.

The staff took some of the kids to look at the vehicles while we all went out to the facility sign and posed for some pictures.

The next stop for the day would be the Toy For Tots down at Christmas in the Park, downtown San Jose. As you can imagine, it was a little bit of a challange to keep all 16 vehicles together. We pulled over and waited several times to make sure we were all together. We did our normal circle the whole park before coming in for a landing. What a sight. KBAY came over and asked Santa who we were and where we were from. Esprit De Four did get a little mentioning on the radio station and thanked us for supporting the drive. We all kind of scattered from there to do whatever till the evening.

Some of us went to Fernwood Winery in the Santa Cruz mountains to do a little tasting and buying. We also stopped at Martin Winery, which is very close to Fernwood Winery.

Kathy and I loaded up things once again for the annual ED4 Christmas Party at the Santa Clara Train Depot. This was once again a very special time of meeting with members, families, friends, and future members. Wonderful food, conversation, great intertainment. Santa and his elf Buddy were there. This was a very special appearance for the ED4 group. I hope that Tom is OK from all of the laughing that he did.

I would like to send out a special thanks to my wife, Kathy for the organization of the PJ drive, to Mike for the Toys For Tots drive, to Ellen for the organization of the Christmas party, and a REALLY BIG THANKS to all that made this day so very special to alot of people that are being helped by your generousity.

I also want to wish each and everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, till we meet again happy trails to all.

The Santa Man

Toys 4 Tots

http://www.flickr.com/photos/11879484@N06/sets/72157603425539029/

Toys 4 Tots

This was the 1st Toys for Tots toy run I’ve been able to do with ED4. In preparation in addition to going Toys R Us & another toy store to buy toys to donate, I also attached a wreath to my bumper/hi lift jack to decorate my camouflage painted Bronco. I arrived at the appointed meeting spot just a few minutes before the 9AM planned departure time. Several members were already there & in line. I parked & Sierra, my Black Lab, & I got out to meet & greet ED4 members & family. Also the Z car club that Mike Phorn also belongs to had several cars there.

Santa & Mrs Claus (AKA Darell & Kathy) arrived in a well decorated pick up and had hot chocolate & donuts for the group. Santa led the drive to downtown San Jose. I think there were about 10 ED4 vehicles & 5 or 6 Z cars.

I was very impressed with the set up to drop off toys. Many very sharp looking Marines & some SJPD officers directed vehicles into the drop off lane & assisted in unloading toys so it truly was a drop off toy drive. The whole plaza was decorated with Xmas trees at least what was visible from the drop off. Each vehicle received a carnation & a Xmas CD as well as a thank you for participating.

It was a very fun & special way to celebrate the spirit of the season. People went their own way after the toy drop off. I did some more Xmas shopping & then went home to prepare for the ED4 party at the train depot a great way to wrap up a fun ED4 filled day.

Toys 4 Tots

Trail Boss: Jim Hodges Date: Dec. 10, 2005

Participates: Approximately 11 rigs.

This ride started when I decided after the monthly club meeting I wanted to do something with the Jeep for the Toys for Tots run. I talked with Jim H. after the meeting and saw what he had done to his Grand Cherokee. I knew I wouldnGÇÖt be able to compete with the King of Lights, but I thought I would see what I had around the house. After a little searching I found some Christmas lights and a wreath and I got to work decorating.

Saturday morning was clear and cool. My brotherGÇÖs family was invited to come along. So I picked them up (Jim, Sara, Michelle 12, & Daniel 9) at 9:15 and we were on our way. We were to meet at the Flames Restaurant on Camden Ave at 10:00 am. We arrived at 9:40 and a few minutes later Richard Beard arrived. It wasnGÇÖt long before several others had arrived (Mike P., Ellen, Jim O, to name a few.) We decide to move from where we were and get into position across the parking lot. Jim Hodges was there, already in position and so was Santa Claus & Mrs. Claus (Darell & Kathy).

The caravan departed a little after 10:00 am. My nephew, Daniel thought it was cool with all the chatter on the CB and driving with all the other rigs. On the way we got fun looks from a lot of people. I think they might have been impressed with my decorating skills on the Jeep! (Ya!!)

The caravan arrived at Christmas in the Park, about 20 minutes later. We took one pass around the park before stopping to unload our gifts. As usual, the park was set up beautifully for the holiday spirit. When we stopped, a smiling Marine greeted us by the name of Corporal Mackey. She looked as if she was having a great day and was very much appreciative for the toys we were delivering. She was kind enough to take a few minutes to pose for pictures along with a couple other Marines. We all loaded back up into the Jeep and we said our good-byes and moved on.

We split off from the caravan to head back to Mountain View; others went their way and the main caravan heading off to have brunch at Darrel and KathyGÇÖs.

Fun ride, for a great cause !!