Tow Trucks for Tots toy drive shifts into gear

It's usually Santa who brings presents, but Saturday in Elkhart, it was tow truck drivers. The event, marked the 2nd annual 'Tow Trucks for Tots Toy Drive.' 

Because of the nature of their job, tow truck drivers often get a bad rap. Saturday though, towers from around the area came bearing gifts.

"It feels real good. It feels like Christmas again when I was a kid. You always like to receive gifts and there are kids around here that need these gifts so we are going to try to give all we can," says Mike Doncilovic, the owner of Tom's 24 hour towing.

Tow truck drivers from nine different companies have been collecting donations for the past several weeks. They delivered those gifts Saturday -- about $2,500 worth of toys and money. Elkhart fire fighters helped unload the presents which in about two weeks will make their way into the hands of local children.

"These toys will be going to needy children right here in our community," says Andy Jones, the Elkhart Municipal Airport Manager and event coordinator.

The gifts will go to the Salvation Army and the Tolson Youth Center. Charlotte Applewhite is the director at the youth Center. She says, last year the organization, which focuses on helping at risk youth, gave away almost 700 gifts. This year they expect that number to double.

"They are already struggling all year round and so we know all kids enjoy Christmas and enjoy gifts. So it is extremely important to the parents and the children," says Applewhite.

From footballs to board games, thanks to Tow Trucks for Tots, this year Santa delivered ... even if it wasn't on a sleigh.

There is still time to donate.