Published: December 24, 2006 10:32 pm      

Local nightclub, bikers, musicians raise money for gifts

GREENVILLE — Santa has his elves of course, not to mention all the reindeer.

Sometimes though, even Mr. Claus needs another helping hand. Fortunately, on those occasions, there always seems to be someone willing to assist, even if they might be found in what some may consider the most unlikely of places.

Some two dozen children, who otherwise would not have had a Christmas, had their wishes granted in a big way over the weekend, thanks to the combined efforts of a Greenville nightclub, several local musicians and a group of northeast Texas motorcycle enthusiasts.

The City Blues Cajun Cafe joined forces with organizers behind the annual Tri-County Toy Run to host the event Saturday afternoon.

The club’s Brenda Lewis and Mike Feagin with the Toy Run played host, although Feagin noted it was all Lewis’ idea.

“City Blues sponsored three days of blues music over the Thanksgiving weekend,” Feagin said. “It was the City Blues Third Annual Toy Jam.”

Music groups played continuously while the club solicited donations, raising more than $1,000 in the process.

“We said whatever they raised, the Tri-County Toy Run would match it,” Feagin recalled.

When additional private donations were put into the pot, the money enough to purchase gifts for 22 children.

Saturday, Santa was recruited to help distribute the items. Each child not only received a selection of toys, but also one big present, such as a bicycle, tricycle or wagon.

The kids were not the only ones who were overjoyed.

“The looks in those eyes man, that’s what its all about,” Feagin said.