DENVER, Colo. — At Ferrari of Denver, test drives are happening alongside a different kind of drive, and this one won't break the bank.
"It’s an intense time, so anything that we can do as Ferrari of Denver, as a store, as a good neighbor, to help individuals in need, I think it’s necessary more than ever," said Ferrari of Denver's Director of Marketing & Philanthropy, Steven Wiskow.
For the third straight year, Wiskow is heading up the 12th Annual Holiday Toy Drive and Rally for kids and their families at Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children.
"The great thing about the program is we’re delivering toys and gifts for the entire year," Wiskow said. "Not just the holidays, but you have a procedure in May and you get a toy to increase morale which is really powerful."
Over the next month, Wiskow hopes to collect 6,000 toys and gifts through collection bins around town. He's encouraging people and businesses to fill a Ferrari with donations and even has a touch free option for people to give this year.
"You use your phone, you scan the QR code, it takes you to suggested gifts for the hospital via Amazon and then those toys will be shipped directly to Ferrari of Denver," Wiskow said.
It's all for the big day on Dec. 12 when Wiskow will host a motorcade car rally and deliver the donations stuffed in luxury cars to kids in the hospital.
"The kids that are in the hospital, if they’re able to leave their rooms, will come look at the cars and watch the parade, the motorcade come by," said Reverend Mike Guthrie, Director of Spiritual Care and Volunteer Services at Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children.
Things will of course be different this year. There won't be the typical big gathering or party, but not even a worldwide virus can steal the smaller moments like a child's face lighting up.
"The kids and the parents feel so isolated in the hospital because of the restrictions that we have here and then they really do feel that community support and, I think, it gives them a lot of comfort and strength," Guthrie said.
"Everyone needs something positive. People are putting their holiday lights up early. With everything that’s going on in the world, people want a little bit of normal activity," Wiskow said.
Wiskow is accepting donations until Dec. 11. For more information, visit Ferrari of Denver's Facebook page.
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