EAST HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — Car enthusiasts gathered Sunday in East Haven to show off their cars and make the holidays brighter for kids in need. “Korvettes for Kids” collected toys for the Connecticut State Police “Stuff a Cruiser” toy drive. The Corvettes full of toys drove from Dave McDermott Chevrolet in East Haven to the State Police Troop G barracks in Bridgeport.
“We’re fortunate enough to drive a great American sports car that we like to give back to the community,” said Stan Griskewicz, Vice President of Club Corvette of Connecticut.
The cars’ trunks were filled with all kinds of toys, including stuffed animals, dolls, and even toy Corvettes.
“I just hope that there are great big smiles on their faces,” said Mary Griskewicz, who rode in one of the Corvettes.
Car enthusiasts have been holding Korvettes for Kids for more than 15 years. In years past it has collected nearly 1,000 toys. Last year people filled more than 60 cars, but organizers were expecting to do even better this year.
“It’s getting bigger and bigger,” said George Macary, Past President of Club Corvette of Connecticut. “This year we’ve had outside folks asking to join. In the past it was primarily our members.”
After the drivers parked their sports cars they showed them off and put more toys inside. Some had help from News 8’s Gil Simmons, who also drove one of the cars to State Police Troop G.
“I think it’s also a good way to say thank you to our law enforcement folks because we’re helping them,” said Macary.
Club Corvette of Connecticut didn’t just bring holiday joy to kids; it also donated $7500 to the Connecticut Food Bank. Participants say being able to lend a helping hand makes their holidays happy.
“It gives you a really good feeling inside,” said Mary Griskewicz. “We’re all Corvette enthusiasts but we’re also citizens of the state and we all like to give back to the community.”
The toys that State Police collect will go to kids in Connecticut. If you’d like to donate a toy you can drop it off at any Connecticut State Police location.
