A Heartwarming Success – The 25th Annual XTU Toy Truck Parade
The holiday season was made even brighter by the 25th Annual XTU Toy Truck Parade, which turned out to be an unforgettable celebration of community, generosity, and festivity.
Thackray Crane was honored to partner with 92.5 XTU for this inspiring event and, as always, the incredible spirit of giving from our community made it a resounding success.
Leading the Way with Holiday Spirit
The parade kicked off in style, led by Mark W. Thackray, our dedicated Safety Director, Tyler DiNunzio, a talented Thackray Crane mechanic (and Mark’s right-hand elf throughout the whole event), and John Mongon from Dispatch. Together, they drove a Thackray Crane Boom Truck decked out in holiday flair, carrying a blow-up Santa Claus, mound of toys and heartfelt holiday wishes. This moment set the perfect tone for the parade—one of unity, hope, and boundless joy.
A Mountain of Generosity
Thanks to the overwhelming support of our community, a literal mountain of toy donations was gathered for the Boys and Girls Club of Camden County. The pile of gifts represents joy and hope for a child. These donations will undoubtedly bring smiles and brighten the holidays for so many local children who need it most.
This act of giving goes beyond the material gifts; it’s a testament to the deep kindness and commitment of everyone involved in creating positive change for our community.
A Festive Atmosphere
The day was not just about giving but also about celebrating the power of community in a festive, uplifting atmosphere. Country music star Corey Kent brought high energy and holiday magic with his live performance, serving as the Grand Marshal of the parade. He added an extra layer of excitement to an already incredible day.
Adding to the fun, 92.5 XTU’s beloved radio personalities—Andie Summers, Jeff Kurkjian, and Razz On The Radio—joined the festivities and judged the best-decorated vehicles. From Big Rig Trucks to Personal and Commercial Vehicles, the creativity and effort on display were truly inspiring. Each vehicle showcased the holiday cheer and the power of individuals coming together, united by the simple desire to make a difference.
Celebrating Community Connections
At its heart, the event was proof of what we can achieve when we come together for a shared purpose. Whether it was families decorating their cars, volunteers sorting toys, or countless people cheering from the sidelines, the parade was a shining example of the strength of community bonds.
The Boys and Girls Club of Camden County, which serves many children and families year-round, was the main benefactor of this incredible outpouring of goodwill. With each toy donated, a little more happiness was added to the holidays for children who deserve to know the joy and magic of the season.
Thank You for Making It Possible!
From everyone at Thackray Crane, thank you to all who participated, donated, or simply attended the event to share in the holiday spirit. Whether you were part of the leadership that made it all happen, like Mark W. Thackray and John Mongon, or showed up with toys and cheer, your efforts mattered. Together, we proved once again the immense power of generosity and a shared commitment to lifting up our neighbors.
Here’s to the joy created, the lives impacted, and the community strengthened. We’re already looking forward to next year’s Toy Truck Parade—because when we come together, we can make the season a little brighter for everyone.
Cheers to a successful 25th Annual XTU Toy Truck Parade!