Most people might not assume that muscle cars and children’s toys are two things that go together. However, The local charity Carz N’ Toyz proves that cool, fast cars, and collecting toys for children in local hospitals can actually go hand in hand.
This year, the group will hold its annual Carz N’ Toyz Run for the Kids. The event is set for Sunday, April 13, with Virtua Voorhees being the main attraction.
Started in 2011, charity member and event chairman Bob Paglione described how a charity group combining neat cars, charity and toy donation to local hospitals was created as an unlikely combination, almost on a whim.
“A bunch of car guys went for a ride and thought, maybe we ought to do something for kids in the hospital … then one of the individuals who is pretty involved in the group is a runner, and came up with the idea for a run … we then met with Virtua and talked to them about it,” Paglione said.
The original idea for the charity was to provide toys for children in local hospitals during the winter holiday season. Today, the charity’s mission has grown into a much greater cause.
“We’re trying to grow the organization,” Paglione said. “Most people still think it’s only for toys around Christmas time. The truth of the matter is, it happens all year long.”
Paglione then described the comfort small gifts to children being treated at the hospital can have in situations throughout the year.
“We may give them a toy at any time, and it distracts them from the doctors … for kids going through treatment all year long, even giving a little something to them in front of their parent, or to a parent, is comforting,” Paglione said.
The Run for the Kids is a 5K for runners, but also includes a one-mile walking component for those wanting to raise awareness, but participate at a slower pace. The race will start at Virtua Hospital, at 100 Bowman Drive.
Paglione mentioned last year, the group expected to collect about 250 toys, but actually collected about 800.
“The local car community really came together,” Paglione said.
The group has now collected well more than 1,000 toys and 1,000 books for kids, but has no reason to let go of hope for even bigger numbers in the future.
“Toyz” collected usually range in great variety, though Virtua does give charity leaders a basic list of what is most needed each year before the race and other events. The donation process is spreading to other hospitals as a result.
“Now, the toys we donate to Virtua go to about 10 different locations, too,” Paglione said.
Carz N’ Toyz may work with Lourdes Hospital in the future, as well as other candidates with large pediatric departments.
Paglione mentioned that money donated to the organization last year helped bring vibrant and mood-lighting artwork to Virtua Voorhees and Mount Holly pediatric units.
Having participated in the Carz N’ Toyz event last year, team member Cheryl Squadrito was moved by how local children are being helped in a way that brings a community together.
“Run for the Kids will make a difference in the lives and care for children here in South Jersey. It’s truly a local event because the participants are local, and are helping local kids in Virtua Hospital,” Squadrito said. “It’s great to help the little ones who are literally in our backyard.”
The day of the event, registration for racers will open at 8:30 a.m. Races are set to begin at 10 a.m. Entry fees are $25 for the 5K in advance and $30 on race day. Tickets for the walking portion are $15 in advance and $20 on race day.
Children under 14 wanting to participate in the walk or run can do so for free. Toy donations directly brought to the event are also welcome.
In accordance with keeping the Voorhees and larger Camden County community involved in the charity, Paglione and other members are in the process of setting up future events.
“We are planning a future event in Camden in July,” Paglione said.
Though Paglione mentioned that details for the event are not yet finalized, the “Rendezvous Cruise and Car Show” is set for Saturday, July 19 at Campbell’s Field.
To register for the April 13 Run for the Kids, please visit www.runsignup.com/Race/NJ/Voorhees/CarzNtoyz5kRunWalk.
For more general information about Carz N’ Toyz, please visit www.CarzNToyz.org.
