SACRAMENTO, CA (Nov. 9, 2000) - It doesn't matter whether you own a Toyota 4-Runner or a rock-crawling Jeep CJ-7, the Sacramento-based Hi-Landers Four-Wheel Drive Club would like to invite you to join them for their 13th annual Gold County 4X4 Toy Run, scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 2, beginning at Lake Natoma near Sacramento.

According to Darla Quaresma, one of the event organizers, the Gold Country 4X4 Toy Run is an annual parade-style run on paved streets to raise toys, gifts, and sleeping bags for Sacramento area needy children.

"Last year, we had 115 vehicles and more than 250 participants from throughout Northern California who donated nearly 400 toys and gifts and more than 100 sleeping bags," said Quaresma. "With the popularity of this event and the way it keeps growing every year, I know we can exceed those numbers this year."

Rain or shine, registration will take place between 8:30 a.m. and 9:30 a.m. at Lake Natoma. The parade begins at 10 a.m. and will take participants north on Hazel Ave. to Douglas Blvd. The vehicles will proceed east to Auburn Folsom Rd., over the Rainbow Bridge in Folsom and return to the Lake Natoma staging area.

Once all of the vehicles have returned to Lake Natoma, they will be greeted by Santa Claus. In addition, there will be a face painting booth and a monster truck air jumper for the kids.

"We really want people to get into the spirit of the holidays and we encourage everyone to decorate their vehicle in a Christmas theme," Quaresma said. "We will have special trophies for the best-decorated vehicles, those who drive the longest distance to get here, and also trophies for the four-wheel drive clubs with the highest participation."

There is no cost to participate in the Gold Country 4X4 Toy Run, however, participants are asked to bring a new, unwrapped gift or toy for a child valued at over $5. Quaresma explained that people who do not wish to participate in the parade could still stop by Lake Natoma and drop off a gift or toy for the children.

The Lake Natoma staging area is located just off Hazel Blvd., approximately one-half mile north of Highway 50. Watch for the "4X4 Toy Run" sign at the entrance to the park.

For more information on the 13th annual Gold County 4X4 Toy Run, contact Darla Quaresma at (916) 391-3466 or Jodi Spencer at (530) 633-4645.

The Hi-Landers Four-Wheel Drive Club is a member of the California Association of Four Wheel Drive Clubs and supports Tread Lightly!