Clayton News Daily

By Jason A. Smith

jsmith@henryherald.com

Classic cars enthusiasts are invited to participate in a fund-raiser aimed at providing Christmas gifts for children. Summit Racing Equipment, at 20 King Mill Road in McDonough, will host the fifth annual Toys for Tots Santa Cruise, Dec. 4, from 12 p.m., to 4 p.m.

Donations of money and unwrapped toys will be collected for the U.S. Marine Corps Toys for Tots program, said Gene Qualls, manager of Summit Racing Equipment. The program, founded in 1947, collects and donates toys for children, whose parents cannot afford Christmas gifts.

Qualls said the Santa Cruise event provides a way for him, and his employees, to make a positive impact in the area. "We've done a lot of work with the local car clubs, but we like to support everything that helps in the community," Qualls said. "The Marines and Toys for Tots have a huge reputation for helping out needy children, and needy families, and we'd just like to support that. We're a very family-oriented organization."

The Toys for Tots Santa Cruise will feature a car show, a raffle, music and food. The cost for guests to be admitted to the car show is $10, or an unwrapped toy, according to Qualls. "We also give them a $20 off coupon, for purchases in the store," he said.

Qualls added that the discount is being offered in celebration of his company's fifth anniversary of involvement with Toys for Tots. Summit Racing also will supply door prizes for participants at the event, he said.

"A lot of times, the car shows are dependent on the weather," the store manager said. "Obviously, we're hoping for a beautiful weekend, and if it is, the turnout and the response should be excellent."

The Southern Cruisers Car Club, in Griffin, is organizing the Santa Cruise event on behalf of Toys for Tots. Jack Prewitt, president of the club, said the 2009 event was a success.

"Last year, we got about 400 toys, and over $1,500 in cash donations," Prewitt said. "We had 200 to 250 classic cars there."

He hopes to collect 400 toys, and $2,000 in donations, through this year's Santa Cruise. Prewitt commended Qualls and his staff, for their commitment to the car show. "This couldn't be done without them," he said.

For more information, call Summit Racing at (770) 288-3200.