Amador County – Six members of the Mother Lode Cruisers vintage car club drove to the California Highway Patrol office in Jackson early Monday to help spread the cheer with a truck load of brand new toys.

CHP Public Information Officer Craig Harmon said it was good timing as he had just given out the last of the Amador Unit’s supply of toys on Friday. The Mother Lode Cruiser vintage car club came to the rescue, with donated new toys and others bought by cash donations from the members of the 70-some vintage car and street rod owners, and patron’s of Gallagher’s Pub.

Mother Lode Cruiser Cam Woolcott said “there is still a great need for more toys,” and donations will still be accepted. Woolcott said this is the fifth year for the “Santa’s Helpers,” Cam and his wife Patti Woolcott, who collect new unwrapped toys to be given to CHP for distribution to families in need in our community.

Cam Woolcott said they are thrilled that they were able to meet their personal goal of filling the bed of their 1955 Chevy pickup truck. He said as members of Mother Lode Cruisers, they thanked the club’s members for support.

He said “a huge thank-you goes out to Gallagher’s Pub and new proprietors Denny and Colleen, who got so involved, they had donation containers in the pub, continually encouraged donations, and held a one-day event offering a free spaghetti dinner to anyone who brought in a new unwrapped child’s toy.

Woolcott said he and his wife continue to be amazed by the generosity they see, noting that they had received five anonymous cash donations of $50 each, and one of $100. At the same time, he said they are saddened that “the need not only continues but increases with each passing year.”

Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.