Sunday, May 5, 2024
On Saturday, Nov. 18, Bare Bones BBQ hosted their third year of “Neighbors Supporting Neighbors” car show.
Bare Bones manager, Chad Hill, said, “We had 128 entries this year. We weren’t expecting that many entries. The first year we had this event, we had about 48 entries; and then last year, we had about 45.”
The car show entry fee required participants to donate an unwrapped toy costing a minimum of $10. In the last two years, the proceeds (toys) gathered at the event have gone to a local organization called “Hometown Angels,” which supplies gifts to local underprivileged children who might not receive Christmas gifts during the holiday season.
“This year, I would say there were at least 20 or 30 car clubs that participated. We even had a car club here from Lubbock. We’ve had car clubs and motorcycle clubs, and we plan to expand it to more clubs next year,” Hill said,
Hill stated that the car show has also received, in addition to toys, many monetary donations. Neighbors Supporting Neighbors will be adopting families in the Jonesboro, Oglesby, and Gatesville communities in which gift cards will be provided to them.
“The first time we did the car show, we thought all the toys would remain in Coryell County, but they went everywhere else, and I thought we’ve got to find something local. That’s when we discovered Hometown Angels. I like the idea that it stays right here. I’m a firm believer in taking care of your own. Our local grown Hometown Angels: They are really making a difference.” Hill said.
Hometown Angels began as a dream and collaboration of three Gatesville women over 20 years ago. Lorri McDaniel, Michele Holden, and R’Lue Gribble saw the need to make a difference in the lives of children during the holidays.
For the past 22 years, Ranchers Steak House has graciously allowed Hometown Angels to place a tree in their lobby area with cards attached with the names of children whose parents may be facing difficult times during the holiday season. The card contains the first name of a child and their “wish list.” The names are provided by a reliable source and with the approval of the parents. Gatesville residents choose a card from the tree, purchase the gifts, and return them to Ranchers in time for the holidays.
“Because there are so many kids in our community that their parents lose jobs, and they just can’t afford Christmas gifts. So, that’s why R’Lue, Michele, and myself decided to step in and help,” McDaniel said. “We try to divide it up so that each child gets five gifts – two outfits (of clothing), three toys, and a coat. If they need a coat, we don’t count that as a gift, because that is not a gift,” she said.
In the past, the three women often used money out of their own pockets to purchase gifts. The trio also furnished stockings filled with candy, small toys, and Bibles. “We wrap everything, and we deliver the gifts to the families who put the gifts away for Christmas and let Santa Claus bring them,” McDaniel said.
Gribble shared her thoughts on their work by saying, “The reason I went in on this journey is because when I was 7 years old, if it hadn’t been for the Salvation Army, I wouldn’t have had a Christmas that year, so I know how it is. I’ve discovered that Gatesville is a very giving community and are always willing to pitch in and lend a helping hand to those in need.”
Former gift recipients have said that were surprised to find out about the program and to learn that someone out in their own community was going out of their way to bless local children. Some of the children who benefitted from Hometown Angels are now adults and want the chance to give back to the community. One former recipient quoted from the Bible – “For it is better to give than to receive,” Acts 20:35.
A few years ago, one of the three co-founders of Hometown Angels, Michele Holden, summed up her thoughts about their yearly project by saying, “It really makes you feel good, especially when you can really tell the family is appreciative. Sometimes, we walk away with tears in our eyes.”
