For the kids
2004-12-09 || 3:36 p.m.

For the kids

Last weekend was pretty cool. We played in Hershey Pa. at this bar that we always play at and we had a blast. The place was packed and they were drinking like fish which is always fun to watch. We had a few as well and just had a great time playing music together. It was one of those nights when everything just comes together.
This weekend we're running our second annual "Christmas For Kids" dance. Ther is no admission each person must bring an unwrapped toy or a Toy'r'Us gift card at around 15-20 bucks. We did this for the first time last year and the turnout was amazing. We (the band that is) play and there is beer soda and snacks all donated by local businesses. It's a fun night. the toys and gift cards go to the underprivlaged children from our town. I never thought there were very many needy families in our town. I was amazed to find out that there are quite a few. More that I could have even imagined. This is our way of giving back to the community. The people in our town have always supported our group whole heartedly. But really it's about the kids. It breaks my heart to know that there are kids right in my town that won't be having a christmas any time soon. I hope we're able to bring a little christmas to them. Last year was a great success and we hope to top that this year. It's looking like it's going to be even better this year. We do a lot of benefits throughout the year but none have had the impact on me as much as this one. I have met some of these families and the kids. These kids are amazing. The Love they have in there hearts is overwhelming. They deserve a good christmas and I hope that these donations will in some way make it a happier time for them.
A little story about last year. We held this The Saturday after christmas last year and the most memorable thing was when a man and his son came in the door. The boy was maybe 10 and he had a big bag with him. The man came to the ticket counter and said "We're not staying, my son just wanted to make a donation." The boy handed me a huge shopping bag filled with brand new toys. They we're his christmas gifts that he had recieved himself. He gave them all to the needy children of Hopatcong. He handed me the bag and said, " there are lots of kids who will get more use out of these than I will. I thought they would want them." Then he turned around and his father put his arm around him and they walked out. There were about ten people standing around the ticket table and no one said a word. Peoples eyes were welling up. It was a great moment. I always look for that kid around town to thank him but I havn't seen him yet.
Later,ROB