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PHCC Gives Martinsville Speedway Toy Drive a Boost
The 17th Annual Martinsville Speedway Toy Drive got a jumpstart Wednesday afternoon when Patrick Henry Community College and the Patrick Henry Community College Foundation Board donated over 75 toys.
The donation came during an appreciation luncheon for foundation board members in Uptown Martinsville. Everyone attending the luncheon had been urged to bring a toy, and the more than 50 foundation members and PHCC staff members attending dropped presents off under the Christmas tree.
The Martinsville Speedway Toy Drive is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on December 14 in the infield of Martinsville Speedway.
"Patrick Henry Community College and the Patrick Henry Community College Foundation are more than happy to help the Grace Network and Martinsville Speedway with the toy drive to help the less fortunate in Martinsville and Henry County," said Gary Collins, chairman of the Patrick Henry Community College Foundation Board. "We have been blessed with local generosity over the years and this is just a simple way of giving back and saying ‘thank you.' I hope December 14th will be a huge event for the speedway and the Grace Network."
This year's toy drive will provide a full day of activities, with the Girls on the Run 5K kicking things off at 9 a.m. and the toy drive beginning at 10 a.m. The 5K is open to anyone and is a fundraiser for the Girls on the Run organization.
Anyone donating a toy or making a $10 donation will be able to drive their personal vehicles around the track.
Fans will also be able to take laps around the historic oval with Martinsville Speedway President Clay Campbell in a real Sprint Cup car. They will be dressed in full racing gear, fire suit, helmet and HANS Device. Cost for the ride-along is a $50 donation to the toy drive.
The Martinsville Speedway staff will be making and serving The Famous Martinsville Speedway Hot DogTM. Hot dogs and Pepsi products are $1 each, with proceeds going toward purchasing toys.
Santa Claus will be making his annual appearance at the track at noon.
Anyone who would like to donate a toy, but cannot make it to the toy drive, can drop them off at the Martinsville Speedway ticket office Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monetary donations can also be dropped off at the Martinsville Speedway ticket office. All checks should be made out to the Grace Network. All monies raised will be used to buy additional toys.
The day will begin with the Girls on the Run 5K. Entry fee is $30 or $45 for stroller runners. Entry forms may be picked up at the YMCA of Martinsville and Henry County. Proceeds will go to Girls on the Run of Martinsville and Henry County. Registration will be open on the morning of the event.