66.3 F
The Villages
Thursday, March 28, 2024

The Villages car clubs fuel efforts to brighten children’s Christmas

The car clubs in The Villages have long supported the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office Christmas programs for local children.

However, the COVID-19 pandemic presented an additional challenge to the clubs’ fundraising and gift programs. Many of the clubs would buy toys for the county’s poorest children and drop them off at the SCSO annex located at the intersection of Morse Boulevard and County Road 466.

Lt. Robert Siemer, center, receives a $5,402 check for the Kids, Cops and Christmas program from Chrysler Convertible Club President Alan Fisher, Camaro Club President Donald Crawford, Mustang Club President Joe Raviele and Robert C. Disinger, president of the Thunderbird Club, from left.

Many members have restricted their shopping to only necessary trips. The Villages Mustang Club is one of the largest car clubs in The Villages and its members decided to donate the money they had budgeted for their Christmas party this year to address the possible shortfall of toy donations. The president of the Villages Mustang Club, Joe Raviele, also put out a call to other car clubs in The Villages for cash donations to the Kids, Cops and Christmas program.

Three other car clubs, The Villages Camaro Club, the Chrysler Convertible Club and the Thunderbird Club joined the effort. The clubs raised raised $5,402 for the SCSO Christmas program. The clubs’ donations, combined with cash gifts from other organizations and individuals, will enable 300 children to shop with a deputy for Christmas this year.

Theresa Cooper is the SCSO community outreach coordinator who can be reached at (352) 689-4604 for information regarding donations. Donations for the SCSO can also be dropped off at the sheriff’s annex in The Villages.

Karen says her intent has been misinterpreted

A Village of Belle Aire resident who stirred quite a discussion with a previous Letter to the Editor, follows up to say that her intent was misinterpreted.

Our amenities are being used by families with kids

In a Letter to the Editor, a Village of Citrus Grove resident says she is not happy about families with kids using amenities paid for by residents.

Finally allocating funds to the golf courses!

A Village of Hadley resident said he is happy that more money is being allocated to the golf courses. Read his Letter to the Editor.

Trump is unfit for any office

A Village of Osceola Hills resident, in a Letter to the Editor, details why he thinks former President Trump is unfit to hold any office.

I don’t think the original Developer saw this coming

A resident of the Village of St. Charles offers his thoughts on deed compliance and the original Developer of The Villages.