Toys Tour Around The Corner

Just three weekends from now, the 21st annual Toys Tour—a good-time toy-drive-on-the-water for children in need—will descend on the Crystal Cove Resort in the quiet town of Palatka, Fla. The event, which is set for December 3-5 and earned nonprofit 501 (c)(3) tax-exempt charity status as Toys Tours, Inc., in August, attracted 95 boats for the rally and lunch run on St. Johns River and collected hundreds of gifts last year.

For all the right reasons, the annual Toys Tour never fails to attract a generous and fun-loving crowd. Photo by Pete Boden copyright Shoot 2 Thrill Pix.

This time around, the organizers are hoping to do even more good for children who would otherwise have to go without presents. According to a press release from the charity, they’ve have added new features in addition to Friday’s fun run and Saturday’s main event for the 2021 happening. They include a Friday night dance party that includes entertainment, a large event-tent with a VIP section and a third day of fun that includes a children’s party on Sunday morning followed by a lunch run to Jacksonville.

“It’s all about the kids,” said Walt Braithwaite, the executive director of Toys Tour, Inc. and the vice-president of event-title sponsor Velocity Boats of Sanford, Fla. “Last year we donated a record number of Toys and this year our goal is to double it.

“We’ve partnered with the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office, which distributes all of the toys donated to children that are underprivileged and victims of domestic violence,” he added. “Participants come from all over the East Coast and Midwest.”

Tomes Landing Marina and Renegades on the River have signed as co-sponsors this year. Corporate sponsorship opportunities are still open, as is registration for the event. A complete schedule also is available on the Toys Tour website.

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