By Wayne Dake

Last years 'Cars & Coats for Kids' campaign was such a huge success that once again two race tracks, two radio stations, and a museum are combining efforts to generate good used or new toys and(or) good used children's winter coats, gloves and boots to be distributed to those who may be in need of them. The donated items will be turned over to and distributed by; The County, Nebraska Area Blue Valley Community Action and The Republic County, Kansas Toy Bank.

During a nine hour period beginning at 10:00 AM, Saturday-November 19th, simultaneous activity will begin at the High Banks Hall of Fame & National Midget Auto Racing Museum located in Belleville, Kansas, as well as, Junction Motor Speedway at McCool Junction, Nebraska. FM radio stations, KR-92 in Belleville, KS and KTMX-105 in York, NE will air promotional details prior to Saturday, November 19th.

Drivers, radio personalities and others wishing to participate will be available for autographs during the 9 hour period which will conclude at 7 PM. Those persons who desire an autograph or take a picture with racing personalities may do so; providing they bring a good used or new toy or good used children's winter wear.

The Belleville Race Museum and gift store will be open, as well as, the Junction Motor Speedway gift store. Those bringing toys and coats will be able to tour the museum in Belleville and the suites at Junction Motor Speedway with no admission charges and be served hot chocolate, coffee and cookies at no charge, throughout the 9 hour period at each location.

The 'Cars and Coats for Kids' project is a joint campaign of the following; KTMX Radio-105 FM York, Nebraska KR-92 Radio FM Belleville, Kansas Junction Motor Speedway McCool Junction, Nebraska High Banks Hall of Fame & Museum Belleville, Kansas Belleville High Banks Belleville, Kansas In 2004, this joint campaign generated 218 toys, 98 children's coats, 17 pairs of winter foot wear and $345.00 in monetary contributions. The toy category included over 100 die cast cars and trucks, plus other toys consisting of dolls, stuffed animals, books and games. A large amount of driver and team racing T-shirts were also donated by racers.

Everyone is invited and encouraged to bring out a toy or coat in support of the 'Cars and Coats for Kids at Christmas' project. Get an autograph or take a picture with a driver. See a list of participating drivers in the next few days at; www.highbanks-museum.org www.junctionmotorspeedway.com Drivers and Race Teams wishing to participate and those wishing to make an early donation may contact; Bob Blazek at the High Banks Museum. via e-mail at highbanksmuseum@nckcn.com or phone 785-527-2526 during the hours of 10 AM through 5 PM.

Barb Nunnenkamp at Junction Motor Speedway.

Via e-mail to barb@junctionmotorspeedway.com or phone 402-773-5538 ext. 9. All 2005 donated items will be delivered to the designated organizations for dispersal by Santa, just in time for Christmas! So, how about planning now to share in some fun and share some toys and coats this Christmas?


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