Christmas Charity Truck proves to be a big hit

A new toy donation initiative was a big hit in the Foothills.

At Light Up Okotoks on November 17, the Christmas Charity Truck made its first public appearance.

It's a bright red '35 hotrod kit truck, assembled by a volunteer group of local hobbyists and car enthusiasts, that collects toy donations in the Foothills and Calgary areas.

Leslie and Larry Stadnick, founders and part owners of the Stash Luxury Garages north of Okotoks, are the driving force behind the project.

Since its debut at Light Up, the Christmas Charity Truck has since appeared in numerous Calgary and Foothills locations, and even drove in the High River Santa Claus parade.

Leslie says wherever the truck went, people were excited to see it.

"The response to the truck was amazing, young and old, everybody was so pleased to see it, everybody was happy about what we're doing and where the toys are going. The response for donations was amazing."

The truck collected around 750 toy donations in a month's time.

Those donations were distributed to the Rowan House Society, MyCityCare Okotoks' Shop of Wonders, Baby It's Cold Outside, and the Children's Cottage Society in Calgary.

As well as those who were excited to contribute to the toy donations, Leslie says there were plenty of car enthusiasts who were just as hyped.

"We're part of a cool community of auto enthusiasts and that's how this all came about, but we've gotten to know quite a few more in the Foothills and Calgary area. They all want to take pictures, they want to sit inside, they want to hear it rev up, they love it."

Given the response, the Stadnicks are already planning to have the truck return next year, and it looks like locals would like that too.

"We look forward to returning back next year, and we've got bookings already for next year from other organizations and offices that want to hold toy drives and have the truck drive up and they can fill it," says Leslie.

She says they're tentatively planning to auction it off eventually, but the truck won't done collecting toys for another few years.

More information on the Christmas Charity Truck can be seen on their website.

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