Now in its 15th year, the Santa’s Toy Run that always takes place during NASA Southeast’s December event. For the 2022 drive, hard work from staff and generous donations from everyone resulted in more than $7,500 in contributions, $2,500 in gift cards and enough toys to provide more than 400 children in domestic violence shelters with a gift from Santa.
Organizer Ron Rigdon said the recipients for the proceeds from the 2022 drive were A Friend’s House, Henry Haven House, Gateway Domestic Violence Center, Gwinnett and Fulton Partnership Against Domestic Violence, Peace Place, Salvation Army Red Shield Services, Hopewell Children’s Outreach Program, Elks Aidmore and VFW National Home. All of these 501c3 organizations were approved by the Santa’s Toy Run grant process, which means all donations were tax deductible.
Rigdon offered his thanks to NASA Southeast Regional Directors Jim and Julie Pantas, and to all members, racers, crew, staff, fans, families, workers, security and the volunteers for the time and donations.
“It’s not the size of the gift that matters, but the compassion that comes from giving, especially when a child is involved,” Rigdon said. “Thanks to all of you that helped us bring “Miles of Smiles” to children this Christmas.”
The NASA Southeast 16th annual Santa’s Toy Run is set for December 2-3, 2023 returning to Road Atlanta determined to break the STR 2022 record.
