Honolulu -- Instead of Santa’s sleigh and reindeer, a train of hotrods with roaring engines and polished chrome paraded through Waikiki, bearing Christmas gifts for unfortunate children, Nov. 25.
The 33rd annual Christmas Car Cruiser event displayed around 100 classic automobiles from around the island riding in support of the Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots drive. They drove from Magic Island to the Waikiki Shell parking lot.
Toys for Tots is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year as they collect toys for unfortunate children before Christmas.
“All of us love classic cars, but we also love taking care of the children,” said Mike Russo, owner of a pristine 1966 Mustang. “The holidays are all about giving, and this is a fun way for us to do that.”
The Marines from 4th Force Reconnaissance Company came to pick up the toys at the Waikiki Shell parking lot. They collected over 200 different toys.
“Its feels great to participate in the drive for the kids, because I grew up here in Waimanalo,” said Lance Cpl. Cole Edwards, diesel mechanic for 4th Force. “Christmas is an important experience for kids, and we’re making it better.”
Thirty Marines from 4th Force chip in their time and efforts to collect all of the toys at the different Toys for Tots events throughout the holidays.
Last year they collected more than 50,000 toys in Hawaii and hope to pass that number this year.
“Hopefully the children won’t feel like Santa forgot about them this year; the Marines haven’t,” said Edwards.