One local organization is helping to make Christmas even brighter for young boys and girls in Rochelle.

The Hub City Cruisers Car Club donated toys to be given in conjunction with this year’s annual Children’s Annual Shopping Trip organized by the Rochelle Community Action Network.
This year the Cruisers have also presented donations to Focus House in Rochelle, Serenity House in Oregon, the VFW Post 3878 in Rochelle roof fund, and to HOPE of Ogle County.
Cruisers secretary and publicist Rose Edwards said club members enjoyed shopping for toys, spending as much as their heart desired. Rochelle’s Big R is a club sponsor and provided a discount on the toys purchased.
The club’s members have been donating toys for at least 10 years.

“It makes us feel good to do it. We have a wonderful club and wonderful members,” Edwards said. “The sponsors help us every year. The sponsors make a big difference.”
Edwards said sponsors also donate funds for the purchase of trophies given at the Lincoln Highway Heritage Festival car show, which is one of the club’s biggest fundraisers.
In previous years, the Cruisers have donated to the Needy Family Food and Toy Drive. This year marks the first that NFFTD will not be operating. The Cruisers reached out to CAN director Pat Burch who was more than pleased to accept the donation.
“We are all about helping people around the area,” Edwards said.Nearly all of the club’s proceeds are donated each year. Last year the Cruisers also donated to the tornado relief fund.
“This is a whole new experience for the kids this year as we will be providing a dinner, coloring books, and the toys,” CAN board president Michelle Pease said.
Along with the shopping trip, families will be treated to a spaghetti dinner, courtesy of donations from local businesses.
“The children will enjoy the extras this year thanks to the generosity of the Hub City Cruisers and the businesses,” Pease said.
Participating businesses include MightyVine, BrightFarms, Big R, and Alfano’s Pizza.
The Hub City Cruisers, consisting of 80 families, sponsor the annual car show during LHHF. Since 2005, the club has donated $17,000 to over 30 organizations and individuals in need.