Truck shows raises money for, kicks off Manatee Toys for Tots drive - Sun Sentinel
Five-year-old Cole Newman had never been to a truck show but he loves watching them on TV and listening to songs about them, said his mom, Michella Newman. That's why she made the drive from Clearwater to the DeSoto Speedway to see the trucks. "I saw big ones and I saw super-huge ones," Cole said. Shane Ladwig of Sarasota was proudly sitting on the back of his recently decked-out Ford F-350. "I built this truck four days ago and I love it," Ladwig said. "My brother helped me design it. ". Having just completed five years of service in the U. S. Air Force, coming home to buy a diesel truck was exciting, he said. "They're contagious," said his father, Jeff Ladwig, adding he and his other son, Kyle, also have F-350s. As proud as they were of their trucks, they were equally proud of all the toys they brought, they said. Organizers said they were thrilled with the turnout despite not collecting as many toys as last year's truck show. Demand for toys from families in need is so high, volunteers must begin the drive far in advance of Christmas. "There's so many people that love trucks, so why not put something on that they love to do and get some toys for the kids. Since then, Toys for Tots has become an official activity of the Marines and of the Marine Corps Reserve. The drive also accepts cash donations, and volunteers were walking around collecting to make it possible to buy wrapping paper. Source: www.sun-sentinel.com
