The ninth annual Eldridge Toy Run and Benefit Ride will be Saturday, December 3^rd.  Hundreds of motorcycles, scores of antique cars, and lots of big-hearted people will arrive on the FWBCH campus to brighten the faces of children and staff alike.  It is quite a thrill to hear the rumble of the motorcycles as they arrive bringing gifts, donations, smiles, and genuine expressions of love.

The Eldridge Benefit team does a great job organizing and promoting the annual effort.  Each year the total donations continue to increase with last year’s benefit producing over $44,000.  The attendance at the event last year was a record, also.  Over 650 motorcycles participated and approximately 1100 people were on the campus.

You are encouraged to attend and participate in this year’s Toy Run.  Come enjoy the barbecue, stew, chili and other food provided for lunch.  Come share a cup of coffee or hot chocolate.  Come watch the children open presents and visit with Santa.  Come help make this the most successful benefit yet.  Come and be one of those whose heart is warmed by this special event.

Go to the Eldridge Toy Run link on our home page for more information.  Remember, “All roads lead to Eldridge the first Saturday in December.”

It is time once again for our annual Harvest Drive.  Every year you bless us as you share your blessings.  Maybe this list will give you some specific ideas of our present needs.  Thank you for thinking of us!  We guarantee you, your gift is appreciated.

Cereals – Trix, Frosted Flakes, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Rice Krispies, Cheerios, Fruit Loops, Raisin Bran

Muffin Mixes – blueberry, strawberry, chocolate chip, banana, apple cinnamon

Pop-Tarts – cookie dough, cinnamon roll, hot fudge, apple strudel, blueberry, brown sugar cinnamon

Snacks – Capri suns, juice packs, small Sunny D’s, granola bars, chex mix, animal crackers, goldfish, peanut butter filled pretzels, cheese crackers, chez-its, trail mix

Supplies – Styro  plates, cups & bowls, napkins, paper towels, coffee filters & stirrers, storage/freezer bags-gallon, trash bags, bleach, Pine-sol, dishwasher detergent, HE washing powders, Glade/Air Wick refills, Pledge

FOOD ITEMS:

B-B-Q  sauce                                   ketchup-regular/no sugar            soy sauce                                steak sauce

Worchester sauce                       canola oil                                              Pam                                           black pepper

garlic powder                               Nature’s seasoning                            parmesean cheese              pancake syrup

corn bread mixes                       gravy mix packets                             spaghetti seasoning           Splenda in bags

Crystal light                                   no sugar Kool-aid                             Gatorade                                 hot chocolate mix

fruit cups-reg/no sugar            pudding cups-reg/no sugar          cookie mix                            olives-green/black

chili-with/without beans        cream of celery                                  cream of chicken

pineapple                                       peaches-lite syrup                             tuna                                         salmon

tomato sauce                               hot sauce                                               canned fruit                          cream of mushroom

FWBCH honored Linda Berry with a retirement dinner on September 1, 2011.  Linda came to the Home in November, 1982, and served as the Social Worker for 29 years.  Hired by long-time director, Carlton Lambert, she served under a total of five directors.  Linda, a University of Alabama graduate, has provided oversight of the care provided by the Home for over 350 children.  In addition, she served as Interim Director on three separate occasions.

“Linda has been a major part of the Home’s ministry for three decades,“ said FWBCH Board Chairman, Rodney Yerby.  “We are appreciative and thankful for all she has done for the children throughout her tenure.”