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Residents Urged To Help Needy

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By MEGAN HUSSEY

Tribune correspondent

Published: December 6, 2008

Community members are invited to play Santa today at Smokehouse Creek Rodeo, 30232 Darby Road in San Antonio, where the Toys for Tots Family Day will kick off at 2 p.m.

This is the third time Smokehouse has hosted the event, which last year contributed about $12,000 in toys to Toys for Tots East Pasco.

"Last year we delivered the toys in a four-horse trailer," said Rick Yankey, owner of Smokehouse Creek Rodeo. "It was all the way full."

For an entry fee of $10 plus an unwrapped gift, guests will enjoy food, live entertainment and drawings. A King of the Grill chili, barbecue and wing cookoff will be feature. .

Children ages 6 and younger will be admitted free. Activities will include face painting and a bounce house, as well as a greased pig contest open to children and adults.

"Every kid in the contest will get a trophy," Yankey said.

For information about Toys for Tots Family Day, call Yankey at (813) 917-6411 or visit www.smoke housecreekrodeo.com.

Lily of the Valley, a charitable outreach of Victorious Life Church in Wesley Chapel, is in need of toys for its Dec. 13 Imagine Christmas event.

Hams, turkeys and other meats also are needed for this event, which looks to help families in need.
Lily of the Valley provides food to about 2,000 people a month.

"Everyone who comes in is down about Christmas, wondering how they're going to get toys and food," Lily of the Valley Director Anna Grover said. "We want to give them a wonderful experience."

Santa Claus will be at Imagine Christmas. Hot dogs and hamburgers will be available, and children can make cards and enjoy other activities.

For information about Lily of the Valley and how to donate, call Grover at (813) 458-3663, or bring donations to Lily of the Valley, 6542 Applewood Drive in Wesley Chapel.

Also, in east and central Pasco, Cooper Financial Services is spearheading another effort for families in crisis. The Land O'Lakes company is extending its giving effort on behalf of Sunrise of Pasco County through next week.

"Thanks to the generosity of local individuals and businesses, our donations drive has been a great success and is being extended to Dec. 12," a news release stated.

Community members are asked to bring in unopened lotions, perfumes and cosmetics "to help the women and girls who had to leave their homes with little or nothing to seek shelter."

Donations can be dropped off during business hours at the Cooper Financial Services offices at 5420 Land O'Lakes Blvd, Suite 101, Land O' Lakes. For information, call (813) 996-6100.

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