‘Truckster’ provides good cause during holiday season

Michelle Ward (third from right) poses along with representatives from nonprofit organizations that use the 'Truckster' to spread joy during the holiday season.

For the last few holiday seasons, a replica of a famous movie vehicle has made its rounds in New Kent County. In a play on words, that automobile has been a vehicle to brightening the holiday season for several families in needs.

The “Truckster” is a vehicle from the 1983 movie “National Lampoon’s Vacation”. With a love for the the series, Safe and Sound owner Chuck Ward came up with the idea to replicate the vehicle based on the 1989 rendition from “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.”

The “Truckster” is a special type of vehicle that looks wacky on the outside, but a closer look represents everything Christmas is made of. Ward using the vehicle and drives it to businesses during the holidays, garnering eyes from many spectators. The vehicle is rented out for a monetary donation in hopes to collecting toys and gently used coats for families in need.

The “Truckster” has been seen at events such as New Kent’s Grand Illumination and serves as an integral part of Matthew’s Haven and New Kent’s Christmas Mother. In 2018, the station wagon was able to collect and distribute 422 toys and 225 coats to these organizations through donations received.

Michelle Ward, one of the owners of the vehicle, spoke about the feelings of bringing pride and joy to many people even though they never see who receives the items.

“We get a silent satisfaction knowing that we put smiles on so many faces throughout the holiday season,” she said. “Our great partners help distribute the items, and it makes us happy because last year was our biggest year and this year, we are hopeful that we can get even more items to put a smile on many more faces.”

The “Truckster” provides at atmosphere to New Kent that makes the county feel complete during the Christmas holiday. Kids flock up to take pictures with it and even Santa Claus has admired the vehicle himself at times.

The “Truckster” is currently accepting items for toys and coats until Dec. 17. Ward can be contacted at (757) 566-2233 to set up an arrangement for the vehicle to be onsite to fill the vehicle up.

“Nothing is better than giving during the holidays and having the memories,” she concluded.