Walker County Stocking Full of Love is gearing up to help children this holiday season through two more fundraisers.
"With the downturn in the economy, our donations have been off the last four to five years," said Walker County Sheriff Steve Wilson, adding that the recent motorcycle run raised $1,600 and $1,000 worth of toys, but more is needed to help the estimated 1,846 children in need. "If people could spare $10 to $15 to donate, that would help."
The annual Stocking Full of Love Karaoke Fundraiser to benefit Walker and Catoosa counties' drives airs on UCTV-265 Thursday, Dec. 5 from 8-11 p.m. Local country singer/songwriter James Rogers is serving as master of ceremonies for the event that involves local officials singing karaoke. Walker County Sheriff Steve Wilson is singing "Jailhouse Rock."
Items will be auctioned off on air too. To learn more, call Judy O'Neal at 706-866-1518.
The 10th annual Chattanooga Valley Lions Club Four-wheeler Parade to benefit the Stocking Full of Love is lining up Saturday, Dec. 7 at 2:30 p.m. at the Chattanooga Valley Lions Club. It's free to enter, but a monetary or toy donation is requested. From 76 John Thompson Road in Flintstone, riders will travel down Old Chattanooga Valley Road and return to the clubhouse for chili, soup and prizes. Those without a four-wheeler can ride on a hayride.
The Best Decorated Four-wheeler will win $100.
Parade chairman Leon Ellis can be reached at 706-931-2551.
Funds and toys collected will go to the Walker County Stocking Full of Love Toy Store, which will be open Dec. 14 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. inside Oakwood Baptist Church's gymnasium. Each of the estimated 447 families selected will receive three gifts per child. The Toy Store has the latest toys as well as bicycles, footballs, basketballs and board games, Wilson said.
"If there's civic clubs, church groups and individuals that would like to volunteer, let us know," he added. "This is our 25th year for the Stocking Full of Love."
To make contributions, send donations to P.O. Box 767, LaFayette, Ga., 30728. To learn more, call the Walker County Sheriff's Department at 706-638-1909, ext. 276, or find the "Al Millard Memorial Stocking Full of Love of Walker County" on Facebook.