Poker run to benefit ‘Christmas’

By Stephanie Nelson (Contact) | Andalusia Star-News

Published Friday, November 27, 2009

Photo by Stephanie Nelson

Angel trees, like this one at J.C. Penney’s, can be found at the following locations: Andalusia Regional Hospital, Ansley Place, Beef O’Brady’s, CCB Community Bank, Christ the King Catholic Church, Covington Electric, Darby’s Village Pharmacy, Dimples Day Care, First Baptist Church, Guardian Angel Day Care, J.C. Penney, PowerSouth, Regions Bank, Pharm•A•Care, Southeast Alabama Gas District, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church, Wachovia, Walker Business, Winn-Dixie, Sugar Rush, The Loot and Tillman Family Eye Care.

‘Tis the season to give — and employees at the Covington County Sheriff’s Office and Jackson Honda are looking to do just that as they hold a Dec. 12 poker run to benefit the Andalusia Community Christmas.

Andalusia Community Christmas is a project that provides gifts to children from low-income and other needy families, thanks to the generosity of members of the community.

This year, more than 650 children, who either live in Andalusia, Straughn, Red Level or Pleasant Home school districts, are registered as “angels.”

“Angel trees” can be found at a variety of local businesses throughout Andalusia. Those who patronize the businesses are invited to take one or more angels home and purchase the angel’s specific gift request.

“That’s a lot of children who are in need of a Christmas,” said event organizer Cathy Brown of Jackson Honda. “I can still remember when I got my very first bicycle for Christmas — that feeling. I just think being a kid, with maybe a mom or dad who’s out of work, and not getting anything for Christmas … that would be a horrible feeling.

“This poker run is a way for us to raise money for a great cause and put a smile on a child’s face for Christmas,” she said. “It’s a great way to give back to the community who has been so good to us.”

The poker run registration is set for 10 a.m., Sat., Dec. 12, at Jackson Honda. Brown said it will be a “short ride” of less than 50 miles. The cost is $15 per bike and $5 for a co-rider. Extra hands will be available for $5 each.

The winning hand will be awarded $100; second place, $50, Brown said.

“Every bit of the money we raise will be donated to Community Christmas,” she said.

There will also be a variety of activities throughout the day at Jackson Honda, including an American Red Cross blood drive, face painting, a visit with Santa, food and entertainment by Jim Hubbard of Laurel Hill, Fla.

Toy donations will also be accepted from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Opp and Andalusia Superior Bank and Florala’s Wachovia Bank.

Tax-deductible donations may be sent to Andalusia Community Christmas, Inc., P.O. Box 1525, Andalusia, AL 36420.