MERCEDES — Santa is getting a little help from his friends by sharing the spirit of Christmas giving at the annual Mercedes Toys for Tots Classic Car Show and Swap Meet.
For the past 15 years, the Los Castigadores Land Cruisers car club has been organizing the event with the help of the Bill Bunton Auto Supply and Machine Shop located in Mercedes.
Every year they bring in cool cars to display to gather toys to pass out to children on Christmas Day.
And the event is gearing up to take place again this Sunday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Those who want to show off their cars are asked to bring in one toy for a boy and a girl. The public is also invited to bring in donations or toys.
“We do this for the kids,” said Felix De Anda, 59, La Feria resident and Los Castigadores president. “And it makes us feel good.”
De Anda, who dresses up as Santa Claus when he delivers the presents on Christmas Day, said over the years he and the club members have passed out gifts through neighborhoods in poor areas of town.
De Anda said the event has drawn in 100 to 150 gifts or more each year.
“I want to help at least 1,000 kids this year,” De Anda said. “I would like to pass out more gifts through Weslaco, Mercedes and La Feria.”
At this year’s car show, De Anda expects more than 20 classic cars ranging from hot rods to new sports cars for spectators to get a good look at.
“It has been a great community event for a good cause,” said Brian Bunton, Bunton Auto president.
Bill Bunton Auto and Machine Shop has always provided their location for the toys for tot’s classic car show fundraiser.
“We’re happy to be a part of this community event that keeps giving,” Bunton said.
If You Go
Toys for Tots Classic Car Show and Swap Meet
Donate toys for tots and enjoy up-close look at classic cars.
Dec. 10, Sunday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Bill Bunton Auto Supply and Machine Shop at 1101 West 2nd Street in Mercedes
More upcoming Holiday Events
Mercedes Lighted Christmas Parade
Friday Dec. 8 at 6 p.m.
Starting at Sixth Street and South Texas Ave. intersection
The City of La Feria 19th Annual Lighted Christmas Parade
Saturday, Dec. 9, at 6 p.m. on Main Street
Christmas Toy Giveaway
Dec. 16 at 9 a.m.
El Centro Foods
500 N. Main Street, La Feria
Christmas Parade
Dec. 16 at 5 p.m.
Rio Hondo
Santa Rosa Cowboy Christmas Parade and Festival
Dec. 16 at 5 p.m.
Santa Rosa at 21820 FM 506
Christmas Grinch-Mas Festival
Los Indios City Park
309 E. Heywood Street
Dec. 21 at 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Live Music, Free toys Bouncers, raffles, burgers and popcorn
