NASCAR aids Toys for Tots

Dale Jarrett's car was on display at The UPS Store in town.

The 2007 UPS Store/Toys for Tots holiday fundraising campaign kicked off Friday morning, with a two-day donation effort at the UPS store in Mountain Home.

The store also hosted a replica of the 2007 UPS Store/Toys for Tots #44 Camry that NASCAR champion Dale Jarrett raced on Oct. 28 in Atlanta.

The unique NASCAR vehicle had a special paint scheme designed by 12-year-old Vincent Giacalone from Emerson, N.J., as part of The UPS Store "Design Dale's New Ride" coloring contest.

The contest offered kids ages 5 to 12 a chance to design the paint scheme for this year's race car. Giacalone's entry was chosen as the winner out of more than 1,500 submissions.

This season marks the 60th anniversary of Toys for Tots. Last year Toys for Tots received 70,000 toys for 16,000 children. The goal this year is to receive 80,000 toys.

Let's Go Racing, a local NASCAR retail store was in attendance, selling merchandise ranging from mugs, pens, notebooks, toy cars, etc.

"It's been a good turnout, I hope Toys for Tots benefited greatly," said Donna Lance, Let's Go Racing employee.

For the two-day effort 123 toys were donated and $174 was collected for Toys For Tots.

Now through Dec. 24, participating UPS Store locations across the country will sell $1 donation cards, with all proceeds benefiting local Toys for Tots efforts.