Jingle Bell Ride collects Christmas gifts for local children

The Falls City Area Jingle Bell Ride returned Nov. 1, continuing a tradition of collecting Christmas toys for children in Richardson County. Alisa Wickham said the ride’s been held for 29 years. This year, 44 pickup stops had been planned, with a few cancellations coming before the ride. Fifteen people had already donated before participants headed out. The event began at the Hy-Vee parking lot in Falls City, with registration at noon and the ride scheduled for 1 p.m. Activities included hayrack and horse rides, face painting and pictures with Santa, along with lunch and refreshments available for a freewill donation. Wickham said the group would also help the sheriff’s department collect gifts through its cruiser-stuffing effort. The group plans to participate in the department’s Dec. 5 event, with hopes of bringing two horses if weather permits. Donations can still be arranged after the Jingle Bell Ride.

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