The city of Suffolk, Virginia, has a population of just over 100,000 people and is on the outskirts of larger communities in the area. While still growing, there is a need in the community to support families during the holiday season. In steps the Salvation Army.
While larger areas of the region have a dedicated arm of the United States Marine Corps to assist with the Salvation Army, Suffolk does not. Suffolk’s local RC club, Hampton Roads Radio Control, Inc. (HRRC), has found success in partnering with the Salvation Army of Suffolk. This partnership has turned into an annual event known as the Toys for Tots Fun-Fly. HRRC held such an event on October 19, 2024.
By engaging with prominent vendors in the hobby, such as Horizon Hobby, HRRC is able to take advantage of donated raffle prizes to generate attendance and revenue to donate to the community. HRRC has also found interest in local groups that have crossover interests in aviation, such as the Suffolk Skydiving Club, which did a live demonstration and carried donations with them during their dive this year!
Charging a nominal fee of $10 per landing and/or a donated toy has been accepted by Suffolk’s community and is another way to generate donations for the cause. Monetary donations and toy donations support the effort of ensuring that no child experiences the feeling of emptiness during the holidays and offers hope to families during their time of need, all the while fostering camaraderie and community within the hobby of model aviation.
According to Andrew Tobias, the contest director for the event, HRRC raised $1,400 for Toys for Tots. He noted, “We had a great day for flying and fellowship.”
