Toys for Tots Run and M & G - Sat. Dec 8th

[Gordon]

After receiving a number of good suggestions and after due consideration, the BOD has decided that 4X4Grace will host a Toys for Tots run, in conjunction with a Meet & Greet.

This event will take place on Saturday, December 8th. It is an opportunity to provide Christmas toys for those children, who otherwise may not receive such gifts.

We will meet at the N. Roan Street Toys-R-Us parking lot between 11:30 and 12:00 noon. This will enable folks to purchase gifts at TRU. We have selected TRU as the location, and are suggesting the purchase of gifts there, as TRU may be able to add matching gifts. At this point, we do not have a "definite" on that, but we wish to get our thread going for planning purposes. TRU will be letting us know about the potential of the gift match shortly.

We will leave the TRU parking lot at about 1:00 pm and drive, as a group, to Gray, where we will deliver the gifts to the Marines at the reserve center near the fairgrounds. The Marines will have personnel on hand to greet us and help unload.

After we deliver the gifts to the Marines, we will then go on to Smokey Bones on N. Roan in Johnson City for some chow & further fellowship.

An additional trail ride is not being presented in this thread, however, depending upon interest, an evening/night ride could easily materialize.

We feel that this event can be a great opportunity for us to help the kids and as such, would like to see as much participation by 4X4Grace members & friends as possible.

For those of you who, for other reasons, may not be able to attend, especially folks too distant - if you'd like to drop off a toy at your local collection point, either individually or a few of you together driving your rigs - go right ahead - it's all about getting toys into the hands of kids for Christmas.

God bless, everyone, and please post up if you plan to participate so that we have at least a rough idea of how many rigs to expect.

[Mud&Rox]

Im in

[Adurbin]

I will definitely be there. No question about it.

[tjrockcrawler]

I will definitely be there. No question about it.

x2

[AMSting]

I'm in.

[tjrockcrawler]

Hey BOD... are there any restrictions on toys, as far as for what age, gender or price?

[Gordon]

Hey BOD... are there any restrictions on toys, as far as for what age, gender or price?

Not per se, however, it is my opinion that we, as Grace, would focus on positive style toys, as opposed to "blow it up" video games, etc, for either gender.

Pricing is individual, but I would say $10 to $25 range - and unwrapped.

[Adurbin]

BAH!!! Ironically enough, December 8th is the only Saturday I have to work during the training of my new job. I will not be able to make this although I really would like to.

[KTaylor660]

Any update on whether TRU will be matching gifts or not? I'm in for now, unless something happens.

[XJmudder]

I want to thank each and every one of you for doing this! It means a lot to me as I am a Marine (for those that dont know). I wish I could be there for this but I will be at the reserve center for the next 3 years starting May 2008. As far as any gift size or anything, nothing is to big! Once again I thank each of you for doing this! I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas!

Semper Fi,
Chase Estep

[Dino1967]

sorry everyone dont think i can make it my d/d went down tonite
timing chain wore a whole in the cover i think
water in the oil
again thanks steve for the tow and lift home

[Gordon]

OK everyone - got some updates.

TRU will match our purchases. What they'll do is record the dollar amounts of what our members purchase, then donate an equal amount. They do not just give "double toys" so to speak. We will not be carrying their donation with us when we go up to Gray. The manager has to confirm our purchases and do the "corporate things", but it is very important that she knows what we buy.

When we make our purchases that Saturday morning, we'll have 4X4Grace business cards to hand out to our membership, and those will be turned in to the sales clerks. The manager who I've been working with will be there that morning and coordinate this so that she has a tally of all our purchases.

I plan to arrive a little early and meet with her to make sure all the details are set, so as our membership arrives, make sure you see me or another BOD to get a card to submit with your purchase(s).

Wearing a Grace shirt or ball cap wouldn't hurt, either.

So, between 11:30 and 12:00 on Saturday the 8th. Let's make a great showing for the kids! :grin: :grin:

I will maintain a tentative roll call, just so we have a rough idea of the number of people & rigs.

Thanks everyone for supporting this.

[R.E.C.O.N.45]

Where is this? and what if we are not able to have a rig is a ride along availble? My girlfriend and I might make it. It would be good to finially meet some of yall, but we will see. thanks

[Gordon]

Johnson City. I can give you closer directions if you'd like. And by all means, you could drive your car in the T4T's line up, or ride with someone. There will be seats I'm sure if you'd want to hit one of the trail rides, too. We'd enjoy you coming on over.

[R.E.C.O.N.45]

Hmmmm..... A little over a 3 hr drive. Might could borrow some big tires and let the Jetta hit the trails. Show what the small diesel can do. :P I will try to let yall know this weekend.

[Hokie_YJ]

I definitely plan on being there.

[DeannErica]

We will be there! :grin:

[Bluegill]

We'll be there. If I have to work, Julie will still be there. :wink:

[Jeep07]

I will be there.

[rghyland]

As much as I would love to come, we have plans that day. December is a very busy month on the weekends.

[dogbluedrummer]

I can't make it, have the corp Christmas party that day/night.

[Bakpack]

I'm in, prolly won't be able to do anything afterwards, but I will most definetly be there for T4T's

[NC_James]

Put me as a maybe. I would love too come up. But, don't know if I want too fill up the big truck. The d/d needs alittle work... :x

[snakebitten999]

Im in for this. This will be my first meeting of any of yall.

[TNjeeper97]

Danielle and I are in.

[Marty G]

me and madi are planning to be there

[DeannErica]

Are we still riding Graceland or Stoney afterwards?

[Gordon]

I think both options are still open, Dean. Seems like it'll almost be a realtime decision, based upon when we finish at Bones, weather, etc.


Come on, everyone - gotta be more of you out there that can at least make the toy run.

[Bluegill]

Is Stoney closed for bear hunts, or does that just apply to USFS areas close to the state line? (Bumpus Cove, Horse Creek, etc)

[Gordon]

I believe just Bumpus (at least that's what's on the FS website) FR 190 & spurs. I haven't been by to check, but I am not sure they even close the gate.

I don't think Horse Creek closes at all, just the Old Forge spur, which we never take anyhow.

Stony closes on the 17th. (The gate on Panhandle Road.) As we found out last year, they did not close off the entrance, but technically, the road closes.

http://www.fs.fed.us/r8/cherokee/news/closures/Roads%202007%20Media%20Release.pdf

[TiredIronGRB]

Come on, everyone - gotta be more of you out there that can at least make the toy run.

X2

2 Cor 9:7 Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

[Dino1967]

I don't think Horse Creek closes at all, just the Old Forge spur, which we never take anyhow.
the only time i have seen horse creek close was when the flood washed it out
didnt know it was closed (no gate or any type of blockade) so i got a ticket for driving offroad in a wma but man was it washed out

old forge is a dead ends at the camp ground (its just a gravel road)anything after that is horses or hiking

dont know if i will be able to make it still havent got d/d fixed
picked up the big parts but when i cleaned up the timing chain cover it has a small crack in it dont know if it is all the way threw or not so im gonna get it welded just in case

[03CactusGreenKJ]

im going to try to make it if i can

[Hadfield4WD]

We have our company Christmas part that weekend and the Homestead. Otherwise we would love to come.

[R.E.C.O.N.45]

Well I am out jetta is down and so am I :( have fun and maybe some day we can get up there.

[Gordon]

UPDATE:

I have spoken with a representative of the Johnson City Police Department regarding our run. I had called simply to notify them of our activity. I had a very nice conversation with Sgt. Carrier, who was more than happy to offer us some help. I also had an opportunity to give him some background of 4X4Grace.

I have set up an escort for our group, from TRU all the way to the Marine center. This will permit us to stay as a complete group through all traffic lights. The plan will be to have a patrol car in front & behind our convoy.

Because of potential Saturday midday congestion, he requested that we go be way of the interstate. My comment to him was that whatever he felt was best for the safety of all citizens was what our group would desire.

I will be following up with him prior to Saturday.

[TNjeeper97]

Gordon, you're something else :P That's awesome!

[Gordon]

Gordon, you're something else :P That's awesome!

Nope, GOD is something else! I'm just helping Him out a little.

[BroncoMike]

Always thinking Gordon.

I've got to work nights this weekend starting Friday night. Depending on what kind of night I have at work I'm going to try to be at TRU around 11:30. If I'm not there by the time you are ready to begin don't wait.

[EvilBob]

I just joined, but I'd like to come out and meet everyone right off the bat. I don't think my FJ40 goes fast enough to take the interstate to Gray, but I can bring my DD Subaru or catch a ride if that's OK. The '40 would be up for a trail ride afterwards though.

[TiredIronGRB]

Cool 8)

[Gordon]

I just joined, but I'd like to come out and meet everyone right off the bat. I don't think my FJ40 goes fast enough to take the interstate to Gray, but I can bring my DD Subaru or catch a ride if that's OK. The '40 would be up for a trail ride afterwards though.

Please do join us, and bring that cool 40 - we will travel the interstate for traffic congestion reasons, not speed, so if it'll run 50, that is fine. Either way, there will be seats, and I'm sure some folks may bring DD's, too.

Most important, join us and meet some folks. :wink:

[Country Boy]

Been outta work this week sick, I am going to try to make it.

[Gordon]

Update: Gathering time and shopping can really be any time 11:30 to 13:00 - The important time is 1300 - that is when our police escort will be there and we'll need to roll. At about 1250, we will all gather for the blessing, then be ready to roll when the escort arrives.

Updated roll call so far - and even if you aren't sure or haven't posted up, try to join in - no reservations required. :wink:

SolarTJ
Gordon
TiredIronGRB
greenrover
tjrockcrawler
AMSting
ktaylor660
Hokie_YJ
Deannerica
Bluegill & tom-boy
Jeep07
Bakpack
sinkinitup (maybe)
snakebitten999
TNjeeper97
Marty G
03CactusGreenKJ
BroncoMike
EvilBob
Country Boy (maybe)

[KTaylor660]

Bring the 40...it can keep up with my Samurai at least.

[tjrockcrawler]

Errr... Im posting this from work :( just a half day thankfully... I'll try and make it but I might miss it. If nothing else I'll catch up with everyone at SB.

[NC_James]

I am out. This is my first week back at the shop since my wrist problems. So money is tight.

[BillM]

There was an amazing turnout today for this. I am very proud to say I am associated with 4x4grace. All you guys are the greatest. We had a huge # of toys bought for the kids.

Gordon thank you for working this out with Toys R Us and the USMC. I know many children will benefit from all of this effort.

MERRY CHRISTMAS everyone.

[TiredIronGRB]

Awesome day, I had a ball :grin:

[snakebitten999]

It was great to be able to be able to show how great GOD is!!! I enjoyed meeting each and everyone of y'all!

[Gordon]

I had a blast today - As I've said before, this is God's work - we just help Him out. Praise be to God.

Here's a few pics.

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g125/gme1951/Toys%204%20Tots%2012-08-07/z12-08-07T4Ts004A.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g125/gme1951/Toys%204%20Tots%2012-08-07/z12-08-07T4Ts000.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g125/gme1951/Toys%204%20Tots%2012-08-07/z12-08-07T4Ts007.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g125/gme1951/Toys%204%20Tots%2012-08-07/z12-08-07T4Ts013.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g125/gme1951/Toys%204%20Tots%2012-08-07/z12-08-07T4Ts020.jpg

http://i55.photobucket.com/albums/g125/gme1951/Toys%204%20Tots%2012-08-07/z12-08-07T4Ts022.jpg

[TNjeeper97]

Absolutely awesome day! I too am proud to say that I'm associated with 4x4Grace. I thank God for the safe travel and the ability to give back just a super small portion of what He has blessed me and Danielle with. Just remember, we can never out-give God. Praise God for the day!

[BroncoMike]

I agree as well! What a great bunch of people! I know I don't get out to much of the trail rides but when I do get out to an event with Grace I always have a great time and enjoy seeing everyone and talking with you all.

Gordon thanks for putting all this together, you did an awesome job!

May God bless all of you during Christmas and the New Year!

I took a few pics as well and will post them up as soon as I can.

[Gordon]

Looks like we came up with close to 50 gifts for the kids. Thanks, everyone, for making this a great event!

Praise the Lord!

When I get pics from the USMC, I'll post them up, as well.

[Bluegill]

We had a wonderful time, it was great to meet new faces & see old friends again. Doing it in a way that helps underprivileged kids makes it even better! :grin:

We should do that again next year! ;-)

Praise the Lord :!:

[ZOMBIE]

I had a great time.I hope I can get to know everyone better and next time I won't bring the Miata. :grin:

[BillM]

No matter what you drive.

[Adurbin]

I had a great time.I hope I can get to know everyone better and next time I won't bring the Miata. :grin:

Dont worry about what you drove Logan. Glad to see you meeting new folks here in the grace group. Sorry I couldnt make it.

[Gordon]

..... Sorry I couldnt make it.

I talked with Tam for a few minutes - I know you and Raines were there in spirit. She dropped off your gifts and they rode up in the back of the XJ. Many thanks :wink:

I had a great time.I hope I can get to know everyone better and next time I won't bring the Miata. :grin:

Glad you could join us, Logan.

[Derrickalda]

good work

[XJmudder]

That is awesome! I want to thank you all on behalf of the Marines here in Iraq in doing the Toys for Tots. I will be there next year to help you all out with anything you need. GOD BLESS 4x4 GRACE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[bansil]

What I saw at about 11:40 was amazing lot's of folks in line w/grace cards 8)

Glad to hear ya'll had fun.

[R.E.C.O.N.45]

Wish I could have been there, but I was able to help my mom put in a whole new front door assemablely. Also cleaned out the Garage for the major surgury to the Jetta, but someday yall will see this ulgy mug :P . I am gad yall had funand did a great thing.

[Hadfield4WD]

Sounds great.

[Thumpszilla]

Glad to hear this went so well. We were praying for you guys and plan to be there next year.

[J-Man]

Glad to hear it went great. :wink: I wish I could have made it.

[HANO]

That's awesome guys...!

I will make it one year!!