Stuff a Race Car Trailer drive collecting donations

Toys can be dropped off at Hoods Up Quick Lube locations throughout the region.

Hoods Up Quick Lube is hosting its annual Stuff a Race Car Trailer donation drive, which benefits Christmas for Kids.

Shannon Johnson, the organizer of Christmas for Kids, said they’ve received generous support through donations so far. They still encourage more donations to help out children in the Mon Valley.

“It’s overwhelming this year,” Johnson said. “I know that they’re gonna start shopping on Tuesday, but I do know over half of the race cars are filled with toys already.”

Johnson explained that every October, her organization hosts a benefit at the Roscoe Slovak Club called the Christmas for Kids Breakfast Fundraiser. She said the event is typically sponsored by River House Cafe.

Shortly after the fundraiser, Hoods Up begins its donation drive to help out.

“In conjunction, Hoods Up, every year, in return, puts all their race car trailers at their locations and stuff them with toys,” she said, “so we can provide, not only a bunch of clothes and jackets and shoes, but we can also give children toys also for Christmas.”

Hoods Up is accepting donations of new or slightly used toys from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Fridays, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays until Dec. 15. Hoods Ups locations are:

• 1640 Broad Ave., Belle Vernon.

• 1304 Country Club Road, Monongahela.

• 89 Washington Road, Canonsburg.

Johnson they raised around $10,000 through the October benefit. The race car donation drive has also had great results this year.

“We have all the local businesses in our surrounding area donate to the fundraiser to help buy supplies, or just donate to the kids in general,” she said. “We had over 200 people come out for our Christmas breakfast fundraiser. We have a huge auction. And the community is wonderful, and I’ve seen people this year that I have never seen before. So the word is getting out.”

Once the donation drive is over, they will reach out to schools and their guidance counselors to distribute the donations. Johnson said they also have families reach out confidentially about donations.

Christmas for Kids gathers lists of items families might need and goes out shopping for them. The organization either discreetly gives the item to the families or delivers them through school guidance counselors.

Johnson said they typically help 50 to 60 families. This year, Christmas for Kids is also helping families with food donations.

Johnson said anyone can make donations at Hoods Up, and they can also reach out to her by calling 724-825-9160 if they are interested in meeting her with donations or have any questions.