Q:  Is this a toy run or a benefit? 

A:  Both, toy run is associated with Christmas and motorcycles, however we have seen hundreds of small toys the first couple of years, and with a range of ages with the children, we figured that if we could fill a special wish list of each child, we could be sure those special items where taken care of and that it was there on the day of he event.  We make every effort to make sure every child is included.  Christmas is a good time for the home, they get a lot of toys and clothes from different groups, but with our event we offer a financial boost to sustain them all year long and promote awareness of the needs of the home. 

Q:  Who furnishes the item requested on the “special wish list”?  

A:  Benefit team members and group from different communities go together and buy for a child.

Q:  Can I bring a toy? 

A:  Yes, but we prefer you give a gift card, it can be from any retail store, fuel card, OR a cash donation.  We ask that if you give a gift card, please bring your receipt or write on card the dollar amount of the gift card. 

Q:  Why gift cards?  

A:  Whether it is a fuel card or retail store gift card,  it will be used the entire year for the needs and travels of the children.   

Q:  Can I give a check?  

A:  Yes, Please make check payable to Eldridge Children’s Home, you can bring it with you or mail it to Eldridge Toy Run, P.O. Box 73, Eldridge, AL.  35554.

 Q:  Is my donation tax deductible? 

A:  Yes, the home has a 501C, non-profit organization, but check with your tax person to be sure. 

Q:  What is the cost of the lunch? 

A:  Free, the benefit team with much help from sponsors, food vendors and the community provides the lunch.  Thanks for being a part of the event. 

Q:  I don’t like to ride in a group; can I just ride in to be a part of the event? 

A:  Sure, we understand that not everyone has the same comfort level with riding in groups, please try to arrive before 11:30 AM.  

Q:  Are members of the benefit team paid? 

A:  NO. We are all volunteers. 

Q:  How do I start a ride from my community or town?  

A:  Simple, just notify us that you want to be a contact person for that community or town, be willing to accept email and attend our planning meetings for benefit team members. 

Q: Why not have the event in warmer weather? 

A:  Good question, but it’s the season for giving at Christmas, summer or fall would be nice but we all have plans for that time of year and it would not be the same.

 Q:  How do I contact the Benefit team? 

A:  Email is best,  echbenefit@comcast.net 

Q:  What about Bad weather or rain, will it be postponed? 

A:  NO, we will be there, rain or shine. 

Q:  What is the scholarship fund?  

A:  The scholarship fund is money received, designated for the fund.  We give a scholarship to one of the home’s seniors that will be continuing their education.  You can give to the scholarship fund in memory of someone or in honor of someone.   Each year the scholarship is given in the name of one of those persons. 

Q:  Will you have shirts and patches?  

A:   Yes, we have special designed shirts and patches each year. 

Q:   What are the dates for next year’s event? 

A:   Always the First Saturday in December.

Email your questions to echbenefit@comcast.net