Greg Gerber posted on December 21, 2009 13:07
WORCESTER, Mass. -- Quinebagoes do not believe in roughing it while camping out. Rather than a tent and sleeping bag, they camp in heated or air-conditioned bliss with all the comforts of home, from full bathrooms and bedrooms to kitchens and living rooms with cable television.
The camping group also believes in sharing the wealth and sent a generous donation to the Telegram & Gazette Santa Fund, along with a note from club treasurer John A. Hatch of Lakeshore Drive in Spencer. He said, “The Quinebagoes of Massachusetts would like to donate to the Santa Fund. Merry Christmas!”
Fellow Quinebago and Webster resident Steven C. Tonken, a family support worker for Catholic Charities of Southbridge, said he was thrilled to have his club make the donation. “I see the impact those toys from the T&G Santa have on the children and their families," he said. "Some of our families are destitute. Their goal is survival. They are on welfare or have disabilities. Getting food at the food pantry is huge, much less getting toys for their children. That’s a dream.”
Tonken said the Quinebagoes often make charitable donations, explaining that the Quinebagoes are a camping club, which is open to any owner of a Winnebago or Itasca motor home. First, the recreational vehicle owners join the Winnebago Itasca Travelers Club, which makes them eligible to join the Quinebagoes in Central or Western Massachusetts or to join the Bradford Brigade in Eastern Massachusetts.
The T&G Santa is holding its annual fund drive. In its 71st year, the T&G Santa Fund collects thousands of donations from generous readers and area residents to help buy toys for children in need in Central Massachusetts.
To read the complete story in the Worcester Telegram, click here.