CLEARFIELD – A local tradition continues to move forward and so does a group of people in Clearfield who are looking to bring a little holiday cheer to some young hospital patients.
The Event is the Christmas in July Dice Run, and it will benefit the Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh through the collection of new, unused toys for the July 24 event.
The idea for the run was the work of the Sons of the American Legion, Clearfield, and the Clearfield Cycle Club who work together on various other charity events including the Christmas Eve dinners they prepare and deliver to those who can’t get out.
This year will mark the seventh year for the run. Joni Derrick, one of the event organizers, said it gets bigger and better each year. “We would like everyone to know that you don’t have to have a motorcycle or belong to either group (Sons or Cycle Club) to participate,” she said. A bus has been chartered for those who just want to sit back and enjoy the ride. There is a $10.00 additional fee to ride the bus. Or you can fill up your vehicle with friends and enjoy the day. Last year over $5,000 was raised.
Registration is from noon until 1 p.m. at Lawrence Hall located at 321 Mill Rd .Clearfield. The entry fee is a $10 donation. Stops include Lawrence Hall, Cooney’s Tavern, Quehanna Motor Lodge, The Big Trout Inn then returning to Lawrence Hall for food, awards and live music provided by “Wide Open”. Cash prizes will be given to the high and low rollers. Winners will be announced and door prizes will be drawn at approximately 7:00 p.m. If you would like to make a donation they can be dropped off or sent to Sons of the American Legion, 210 S. Second St., Clearfield, PA 16830. Checks should be made payable to the SAL/Toy Run. Call 761-0298 or 236-0799 for more information.
“There is no minimum to spend, items can range from infants through teenage years,” Derrick said, noting that items need not necessarily be toys. “There are many things the kids like. For babies, crib mobiles, onesies, bibs, rattles light and musical toys; School age, pretend food & dishes, coloring books, crosswords, lap desks that provide a writing surface when in bed; Teen; $5-$10 calling cards, fast food gift certificates, scrapbooks, disposable cameras, I Spy books, journals, stationary.”
A wish list is available for anyone who would like a copy by calling Derrick at 236-0779.
Everyone has been affected by cancer at some point in their lives, and these kids are confined to hospital rooms and are missing out on the simple joys that everyone else takes for granted every day.
Overnight hospital stays are routine for kids with cancer, the child doesn’t get cancer the entire family does. Anything that will take their minds off of it for 10 minutes is worth it. You don’t have to spend a lot of money to bring a smile to a kids face.
This year’s ride is being held in memory of 11 year old Heather Miller form Osterburg, PA who fought a courageous 16 month battle with Ewing Sarcoma. Heather lost her battle on Jan. 29, 2010. Heather loved frogs and the color green and her motto during her fight became F.R.O.G. standing for Full Rely On God. Heather’s beautiful smile is evidence of her strength and courage. Heather loved playing softball and basketball, hunting and riding four wheelers.
For Derrick, the ride means something special.
“My daughter spent three months at CHP undergoing surgeries, chemo and radiation therapy. After being discharged we still traveled weekly with a two-day stay every other week. The first thing Shelby wanted to do when she was admitted was to go to the play/activity room to pick out a craft or activity.
“Having access to a wide variety of items helped take her mind off of enduring the treatments that she was there to receive. She is in clinical remission and looks forward to helping deliver the items. Even when she goes back to the clinic for her regular checkups, there is always a box of items the kids can pick stuff out of.”
Items donated will be distributed to all floors of Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh by the Child Life Department at the hospital and will be presented this year in memory of Heather. All donated items should be new and unwrapped. Everything donated is greatly appreciated.
Our Goal is simple – Brighten up a kid’s day in the hospital.