Mile: 110,820
When I first bought this beat up, old pickup truck my goal was simple … get the family in the truck, unplug from reality and drive. As time has gone on it has turned into something much, much more.
Yesterday was the Odd Fellows annual toy drive in New Milford. Odd Fellows continually fundraises and does things like toy drives to give back to the Community.
Luckily, we found a great spot out in the open in the shopping center to allow the entire plaza to hear us AND see us from far, far away. We are a little crazy so even while we are in the store we keep the lights and music going. Jackson loves trading everyone a candy cane for a smile. At first, sometimes people don’t know what to make of it and/or may have been temporarily shocked by this old truck with thousands and thousands of lights and a very loud PA system playing Christmas music. Soon, they then get a big smile hearing one of our old or funny Christmas tunes blaring bringing them back to their childhood or a great Christmas memory that they may have.
Jackson was a great helper filling up our carriages. He picked out several lego sets saying, “dad I love this lego so I am sure someone will love this too.” Then he saw one of the favorite things he has ever been given, a SLINKY! Needless, to say about 50 slinkies were loaded up in quick order. 
Jackson then helped us load the presents up around the Christmas tree in the back of Ole Red. We even had a kind soul give us a few items!!!!
It was so great to see that when we arrived to the toy drive there was already a bounty that had been donated. Jackson even got to see his buddy Christopher and we got to have a few yummy treats as well!
Then it was time to refuel for some dinner. After that we went back out to get some toys for another toy drive for our community that we live in. For some reason, we hung around outside the truck for a bit as when we got back to the truck everyone was taking pictures and video. It was great to watch families taking pictures of other families with everyone smiling like little kids who had just seen Santa. We grabbed our box of candy canes and quickly filled the hands of anyone within sight. We soon realized why we took the moment to enjoy as one of Jackson’s favorite buddies arrive … PAPA! As soon as Jackson saw his grandfather get out of his truck he ran up to him and gave him a big hug. Papa had an old calendar of construction equipment and Jackson went from page to page staring at it eyes wide open, like Ralphie seeing his Red Ryder BB GUn in the window display!
Sometimes I wonder as a parent if what we are saying is connecting with our 7 year old son Jackson trying to teach him about giving to others who are less fortunate.… As we lumbered down the hill to go shopping, Christmas tunes a blaring, I was explaining how everything he picked, even the most awesome thing, was going to go to someone else who wasn’t as lucky as he was. Not only was he ok with it Jackson then says, “Dad …. Us and Ole Red are just like Santa Claus aren’t we?!?! Just like he gives presents so are we!” with a smile from ear to ear. In that moment, I realized Jackson finally realizes what and who Santa really is… and for that I am forever thankful.
Merry Christmas everyone!
STAY TUNED as our gift card giveaways will be starting soon.
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