Freeport to Port O'Connor toy run
11-29-2011, 06:18 PM
#81
Registered
Gold Member
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: DeRidder, LA
Posts: 489
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Looks like we will be heading into the wind on the way down. The waves IMO are easier to judge that way when they are coming at you. My boat actually handles the waves better when I am riding on top of them and not trying to break through them.
I am heading over to Family Dollar tommorow to get a bunch more toys.
I also tape batteries to the inside of the boxes to the toys that need them so the kids can play with them as soon as they open them.
I am heading over to Family Dollar tommorow to get a bunch more toys.
I also tape batteries to the inside of the boxes to the toys that need them so the kids can play with them as soon as they open them.
Last edited by rgrgoog; 11-29-2011 at 06:20 PM.
11-29-2011, 08:54 PM
#82
Registered
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Tomball (Houston), TX
Posts: 482
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'd rather go against the wind/waves any day. Anytime I'm going with the waves, I feel the drives popping out a lot more which makes me nervous since I think I've popped about 5 or 6 of them (more from a bad build, the original pair lasted close to 400 hrs).
Damn, I should have thought about the dollar store. We spent our normal budget last night at Walmart which filled up a couple of carts but it doesn't seem like as much as it used to be. They always look at us funny at the register when we tell them we don't have kids and we're just buying to donate. I found several cool water oriented lego sets, one of which is a truck with a trailer pulling what looks like a go-fast! I always try to pick out stuff that I remember liking as a kid as does Cari. Picking them out is almost as pleasurable as knowing some kid is going to enjoy it! I've never had much luck getting donations at work with all of the other charities to compete with in the corp world.
Jim - you're right on track. They actually request that if the toy needs batteries, that you include them.
Damn, I should have thought about the dollar store. We spent our normal budget last night at Walmart which filled up a couple of carts but it doesn't seem like as much as it used to be. They always look at us funny at the register when we tell them we don't have kids and we're just buying to donate. I found several cool water oriented lego sets, one of which is a truck with a trailer pulling what looks like a go-fast! I always try to pick out stuff that I remember liking as a kid as does Cari. Picking them out is almost as pleasurable as knowing some kid is going to enjoy it! I've never had much luck getting donations at work with all of the other charities to compete with in the corp world.
Jim - you're right on track. They actually request that if the toy needs batteries, that you include them.
Last edited by Busta; 11-29-2011 at 09:01 PM.
11-29-2011, 09:26 PM
#83
Registered
Platinum MemberThread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Pearland, TX
Posts: 895
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I didn't even think about batteries, good call! Family dollar has some ok stuff, we got some remote control cars and some other decent toys for $5 a piece. I know it's not the best quality but we were able to buy a lot more of the cool stuff than if we had gone somewhere else. I saw on 2cool, the guy with the room full of toys, asked the manager for a discount so if you go somewhere other than family dollar, I asked no employees discount, you might get a discount when showing them the flyer. I have boxes at 14 Malibu tans, but not much action, I would have figured it would have been good being mainly women go there. Malibu even through in a free tan for a toy! The best I have had is at where my wife gets her hair did! So next year I'm going to try and get more hair salons and start a little earlier also.
Also stay away from dollar tree, my dad donated toys from there and they are really cheapo not nearly as good as what we got at family dollar.
Also stay away from dollar tree, my dad donated toys from there and they are really cheapo not nearly as good as what we got at family dollar.
Last edited by T-RAV; 11-29-2011 at 09:37 PM.
11-29-2011, 10:32 PM
#84
Registered
Gold Member
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: DeRidder, LA
Posts: 489
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Family Dollar sent out a flyer in the mail today. I went by and they have some decent quailty stuff at some nice prices. Walgreens has some good sales on toys as well.
The problem getting donations around here is that I live in a very small town and everyone and their brother does some type of toy run for different churches, groups, etc. Some are legit and some are rather shady. This run sounds very legit and is very organized so I have no problem spending a bunch money on toys for these kids.
I will come with a decent amount of stuff. My son is grown so I have nobody to buy x-mas for anyhow but these kids.
The Madris Gras beads came in today (60 dozen). If you need some I have plenty extra to hand out. All I need to do now is go and get some candy canes and candy to throw to the kids as well.
I am crossing my fingers and hoping the weather holds out. I am ok with the windy conditions, I just do not want any rain.
Kemah/Clear Lake has its boat parade the following weekend (10 Dec) and I might try and make that parade as well. I just changed my insurance so I do not have any layup on my boat. There is also a Mardi Gras Parade In Lake Charles for Mardis Gras (Sunday, February 19, 7:30 p.m.). If anyone is intersted in that, let me know. I will see if I can get a group rate at the L'auberge du lac casino. They have boat slips as well and the ramp is not far from their either.
The problem getting donations around here is that I live in a very small town and everyone and their brother does some type of toy run for different churches, groups, etc. Some are legit and some are rather shady. This run sounds very legit and is very organized so I have no problem spending a bunch money on toys for these kids.
I will come with a decent amount of stuff. My son is grown so I have nobody to buy x-mas for anyhow but these kids.
The Madris Gras beads came in today (60 dozen). If you need some I have plenty extra to hand out. All I need to do now is go and get some candy canes and candy to throw to the kids as well.
I am crossing my fingers and hoping the weather holds out. I am ok with the windy conditions, I just do not want any rain.
Kemah/Clear Lake has its boat parade the following weekend (10 Dec) and I might try and make that parade as well. I just changed my insurance so I do not have any layup on my boat. There is also a Mardi Gras Parade In Lake Charles for Mardis Gras (Sunday, February 19, 7:30 p.m.). If anyone is intersted in that, let me know. I will see if I can get a group rate at the L'auberge du lac casino. They have boat slips as well and the ramp is not far from their either.
11-30-2011, 12:09 AM
#85
Registered
Platinum MemberThread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Pearland, TX
Posts: 895
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I could also see people not wanting to donate there since it is for a completely different state! As far as weather I wish it will be like it was today! West bay was slick when I was coming off Galveston island tonight. I think Sunday is when it's going to be bad weather bug shows 40% in port lavaca and 30% in Galveston. Since I am in port lavaca so much I think next year I am going to try and hit up some of the businesses down there since ilthe toys are donated to their county.
My wife wanted to do the kemah light parade so we could take the boy would be his first time on the boat, but I will have to work. If I get off early enough and the wife is already asleep I'm always down to meet up for drinks!
The mardi gras run might be something to do. I turn 30 on Xmas eve so we are looking to do something for it and since no one is really able to do anything on my actual bday account the holidays I thought about going to the maimi boat show with my group of friends, but this would might be easier for everyone to do. I will check with the trail boss on it!
My wife wanted to do the kemah light parade so we could take the boy would be his first time on the boat, but I will have to work. If I get off early enough and the wife is already asleep I'm always down to meet up for drinks!
The mardi gras run might be something to do. I turn 30 on Xmas eve so we are looking to do something for it and since no one is really able to do anything on my actual bday account the holidays I thought about going to the maimi boat show with my group of friends, but this would might be easier for everyone to do. I will check with the trail boss on it!
Last edited by T-RAV; 11-30-2011 at 12:12 AM.
11-30-2011, 12:18 AM
#86
Registered
Platinum MemberThread Starter
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Pearland, TX
Posts: 895
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
We are sitting here worrying about the weather and this is how the 2cool guys roll!
(copy and paste from 2coolfishing)
Quote:
Originally Posted by Captfry
Always dress for the weather, and bring extra! We have made this trip wearing shorts and flip flops, insulated foul weather gear (28 degrees with snow and ice), and never leave without Rain gear. We have crossed Matty with N (EW) winds up to 25-30mph. No one will be left behind, just tuck in behind a bigger boat if needed.
Santa always delivers, no matter what the weather may be. Lucky for us we have a dolphin with a Red Nose!
As I'm usually the capt. that brings up the rear, I'll keep an eye out. I believe it was the 2nd or 3rd year we had to share ice scrapers to clear the wind shields of the glass shielded boats..(not to worry though, the salt water spray will clear the frost from the window.... usually)
It's all fun, bring some rum if you think you will get cold.. (I bring a crew with coffee makers and hot totties makins for the ladies in the cabin, what they don't spill, they sip..)
get ready Catps, its almost time...
I'm looking forward to another legendary expedition...
Andrew
(copy and paste from 2coolfishing)
Quote:
Originally Posted by Captfry
Always dress for the weather, and bring extra! We have made this trip wearing shorts and flip flops, insulated foul weather gear (28 degrees with snow and ice), and never leave without Rain gear. We have crossed Matty with N (EW) winds up to 25-30mph. No one will be left behind, just tuck in behind a bigger boat if needed.
Santa always delivers, no matter what the weather may be. Lucky for us we have a dolphin with a Red Nose!
As I'm usually the capt. that brings up the rear, I'll keep an eye out. I believe it was the 2nd or 3rd year we had to share ice scrapers to clear the wind shields of the glass shielded boats..(not to worry though, the salt water spray will clear the frost from the window.... usually)
It's all fun, bring some rum if you think you will get cold.. (I bring a crew with coffee makers and hot totties makins for the ladies in the cabin, what they don't spill, they sip..)
get ready Catps, its almost time...
I'm looking forward to another legendary expedition...
Andrew
12-02-2011, 09:27 AM
#88
Registered
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Tomball (Houston), TX
Posts: 482
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Alright folks, in 24 hours we'll have our boats in the water and ready to go deliver some toys. It sounds like we're going to have a good turnout. I went and got the boat last night and brought her home. Plan to load her up with toys tonight. While I was at storage I saw Milstead getting the Skater ready so they're definitely going. I think the weather is going to be fine tomorrow and a little iffy on Sunday but at least it doesn't look like it's going to be cold.
