FOLEY, Alabama — More than 25 riders participated in the Robertsdale AmVets Post 316’s first “Christmas in July Toys for Tots Ride” which began and ended at Doc Holliday’s Saloon in Foley on Saturday, July 31.
“This is part of 316’s commitment to serving the communities of south Baldwin County,” said Becky Bailey, a volunteer with the Robertsdale AmVets Post 316’s Ladies Auxiliary and main organizer of Saturday’s event. “This is our commitment, not only to serve veterans in this area, but children and all members of the community.”
Robertsdale AmVets Post 316 is the newest post in Alabama, serving the Robertsdale and Loxley areas, Bailey said.
Santa Claus, Robertsdale resident Don Mahoney, served as the starter for the event, which included stops at the American Legion Post 99, Good Time Charlies, The Stock Tank, The Office, and Scuttlebutts. A Poker Hand was drawn at Doc Holliday’s following the ride.
As part of the ride, raffles were held with 50/50 raffle tickets sold the entire month of July at Doc Holliday’s. Toy donations were also collected during the event.
Food prepared by Steamboat Catering was also be featured pulled pork sandwiches, loaded Conecuh dogs, and pork tacos available at Doc Holliday’s from 11 am. to 5 p.m.
“We are proud to partner with Toys for Tots and this is just one of the strong partnerships we will continue to build as our Post grows,” Bailey said.
All proceeds benefit Toys for Tots of South Baldwin County, which presented 3,640 children with more than 9,000 gifts in 2020.
Toys for Tots of South Baldwin County is part of the Marine Corps League Detachment 1370 of Gulf Shores, which includes the southern part of Baldwin County from U.S. 31 south to Gulf Shores and Orange Beach and from Magnolia Springs east to the Florida state line. Last year the group also encompassed Perdido Key, Florida.
“This is a unique event for us,” said Jonathan Heath, a volunteer for Toys for Tots. “We don’t normally hold events during the summertime because we don’t have enough volunteers participating, but since (AmVets) approached us about this and offered to do all the set up and staffing, it was the perfect fundraising partnership for us to be able to provide more toys for those in need in our community.”
Both Heath and his wife Jenniene, who serves as assistant coordinator for Toys for Tots of South Baldwin County, are members of AmVets, and also wanted to show their appreciation to owners Max Huckleberry and Lori Pietsch and the staff at Doc Hollidays for their participation in the event.
“They are such good people and are always willing to help the community,” Heath said. “When we approached them about having the event here, they immediately said ‘yes’ and we can’t say enough how much we appreciate them.”
For more information about AmVets Post 316, call 251-284-3357.
