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View Full Version : Annual Christmas Tree Run And "Toys for Tots" Toy-Drive



NW99XJ
12-15-2012, 09:13 PM
Let me first state that this was primarily a NAXJA event, but since I was involved, and part of the planning process, I'd post it up here just to share:
The annual Toys for Tots Drive, and X-mas Tree run was a huge success.
Thank you to all that came out and participated, even from those who couldn't wheel, came out to at least show support and be apart of this yearly tradition.
It was great to see everyone, and the massive haul of toys that were donated:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h328/jbchill1/IMG_2103.jpg

Over 50 toys were collected, thats better than I was expecting, and incredible for how many vehicles there were. Thanks again to all that donated.
This is going to make a lot of kids happy this Christmas.
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h328/jbchill1/IMG_2104.jpg

After seeing a couple different groups meet, and depart, it was our turn:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h328/jbchill1/IMG_2105.jpg

Ryan led us the whole way up. It was reported the snow level was about 2200ft, and right about then we hit the snow line.
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h328/jbchill1/IMG_2107.jpg

It wasn't long after that, the word came over the radio from the tail gunner....
"The 4-runner is down - we have a problem"
The Diesel Toyota's fan quit working and he overheated.
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h328/jbchill1/IMG_2108.jpg

I pulled out my logic probe/test light, and a set of strippers/crimpers, Ryan grabbed his box of connectors, and the Toyota's owner luckily enough had a length of wire which we used to hot-wire the fan into working condition.
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h328/jbchill1/IMG_2109.jpg

About another mile up we stopped to air down:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h328/jbchill1/IMG_2110.jpg

NW99XJ
12-15-2012, 09:13 PM
We were making our way up to the tower, but the gate was closed, so we turned around before the rest of the group even made it up there.
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h328/jbchill1/IMG_2112.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h328/jbchill1/IMG_2113.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h328/jbchill1/IMG_2114.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h328/jbchill1/IMG_2115.jpg

On our way up to the top, the fog parted a bit to give us some great views:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h328/jbchill1/IMG_2117.jpg

AS we climbed higher and higher, the scenery changed at every turn:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h328/jbchill1/IMG_2118.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h328/jbchill1/IMG_2119.jpg

We got up to the top, and it opened up into a big clearing, where it was instantly one big free for all.... I wish I would've got video of this part!
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h328/jbchill1/IMG_2120.jpg

Everyone going their own direction, throwing their rig around...
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h328/jbchill1/IMG_2121.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h328/jbchill1/IMG_2122.jpg

We staged up into a nice line up with a couple of "Cherokees in training" at the ends
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h328/jbchill1/IMG_2129.jpg

We proudly hoisted our colors....
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h328/jbchill1/IMG_2127.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h328/jbchill1/IMG_2132.jpg

NW99XJ
12-15-2012, 09:14 PM
I think this little guy had never seen the snow before....
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h328/jbchill1/IMG_2124.jpg

We stood around, and sort of took it all in for a little bit, socializing in the snow for a while......
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h328/jbchill1/IMG_2133.jpg

Then it was time to play...
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h328/jbchill1/IMG_2134.jpg

We hit that quarry, and had a great time messin around:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h328/jbchill1/IMG_2135.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h328/jbchill1/IMG_2136.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h328/jbchill1/IMG_2137.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h328/jbchill1/IMG_2138.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h328/jbchill1/IMG_2139.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h328/jbchill1/IMG_2140.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h328/jbchill1/IMG_2141.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h328/jbchill1/IMG_2142.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h328/jbchill1/IMG_2143.jpg

NW99XJ
12-15-2012, 09:15 PM
Just about everyone got in on the fun down there, and those who didnt had a great vantage point for spectating:
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h328/jbchill1/IMG_2144.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h328/jbchill1/IMG_2145.jpg

There were plenty of little hill climbs, and mini trails, fun little runs in the snow!
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h328/jbchill1/IMG_2146.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h328/jbchill1/IMG_2147.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h328/jbchill1/IMG_2148.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h328/jbchill1/IMG_2149.jpg

Kenny takin a breather for a min
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h328/jbchill1/IMG_2150.jpg

We had a first-timer with us, and she wanted to get some "proof" that her rig was wheeled, and getting dirty, I was happy to oblige, and this giant mud puddle was perfect for the photo shoot.....
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h328/jbchill1/IMG_2151.jpg

Turning around to hit it the other way....
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h328/jbchill1/IMG_2152.jpg

Hittin it again...
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h328/jbchill1/IMG_2153.jpg

...and again....
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h328/jbchill1/IMG_2155.jpg

....hell why not...one more time!
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h328/jbchill1/IMG_2157.jpg

Others joined in on the muddy/splashy fun
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h328/jbchill1/IMG_2154.jpg

http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h328/jbchill1/IMG_2156.jpg

NW99XJ
12-15-2012, 09:16 PM
...I have no idea what the hell this was....
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h328/jbchill1/IMG_2158.jpg

We got down to business, and those that came for the trees got what they came for...
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h328/jbchill1/IMG_2159.jpg

This little guy started to get cold, so it was time to warm up in the Jeep for a bit.
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h328/jbchill1/IMG_2161.jpg

We stood around, talked Jeep, told some stories, and snacked...Ryan devoured a bag of Doritos, and used a little patch of snow to clean himslef of the reddish-orange paste that had formed on his fingers..... I could see the gears turning in his head as the snow quickly tuned a "delicious" orange-ish color.
...nothing better to wash down those Doritos...than DORITOS SNOW!
http://i1104.photobucket.com/albums/h328/jbchill1/IMG_2162.jpg

After the good times, the group split up, most of us went down the hill, aired up below the snow line, and went on our separate ways. I had a great time, as did everybody else.
I look forward to seeing everyone again soon.
Thanks again to all that came out!

NW99XJ
12-15-2012, 09:17 PM
....Original plans for the drop off fell through, but luckily, we had a contingency plan.
Les Schwab has long been involved with the Toys for Tots program as an authorized collection site. And since they have been supplying offroad enthusiasts around the nation with the tires that make it possible to do what we do, I felt it a natural choice to drop off our immense haul this year with one of the local stores. Thanks to Scott and his crew at the Mill Plain Les Schwab in Vancouver, Wa. for taking the time to be a part of a quick photo shoot.
.... From left to right:
Store Manager Scott, Tyler, Aaron, Myself, Van, Josh
http://imageshack.us/a/img33/9960/img2204nt.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/33/img2204nt.jpg/)

It was a very substantial amount of toys we put together, and seeing them all stacked up like that really put it all into perspective.
Thanks to the efforts of those who participated this year, many, MANY underprivileged children are going to have a much Merrier Christmas.
Thanks Again, and good work guys![/QUOTE]

4.3LXJ
12-15-2012, 10:09 PM
Sigh, reminds me of earlier years up there

XJ Wheeler
12-16-2012, 01:00 AM
Looks like a blast and great that the kids will have those gifts for Christmas.

4x4Dalton
12-16-2012, 04:54 AM
That's awesome bro. Those kids are gonna have a great Christmas this year. Looks like y'all had a blast in the snow up there man.


Sent from my bulletproof iPhone using the Flapmyjaws app :)

AwesomeXj
12-16-2012, 09:21 AM
....
.... From left to right:
Store Manager Scott, Tyler, Aaron, Myself, Van, Josh
http://imageshack.us/a/img33/9960/img2204nt.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/33/img2204nt.jpg/)



I am Aaron. The big guy in the middle.

The toy drive was a huge success this year and we look forward to next year and possibly dwarfing this years numbers. :D