The car clubs in The Villages have long supported the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office’s Kids,Cops and Christmas program which benefits local children and at need families.
Last year fundraising was impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Even with the restrictions on gatherings last year a number of car clubs were able to raise $5,402 for the program.
This year the Villages Mustang Club, the Camaro Club, the Central Florida Thunderbird Club, the Villages Chrysler Convertible Club and the Villages Classic Automobile Club banded together to raise money for the Sheriff’s Christmas program. The five clubs were able to raise $8,020 which the clubs presented to the Sumter County Sheriff’s office Wednesday morning.
Lt. Robert Siemer thanked the 36 club members who attended the check presentation on behalf of the sheriff’s office.
“The generosity of the Villagers is amazing,” Siemer said.
More than 600 kids and their families will be helped by these donations he told car club members.
Joe Raviele, president of the Mustang Club said the Villages Mustang Club wanted to make sure that any money raised by the 325 club members stayed local and that is why they choose the Kids, Cops and Christmas program. The Villages Mustang is the largest automobile club in the Villages which is dedicated to one car model.
Camaro Club President Don Crawford said his club also makes sure that their members donations stay local as they support the Sumter County Sheriff’s programs as well as programs aiding local veterans such as the Villagers for Veterans and the Fireman’s association.
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.
