Ebony George was delighted to see an annual Christmas caravan of classic cars coming through her Gulfgate neighborhood Wednesday as the Latin Fantasy Lowrider Car Club handed out toys and snacks.
"This is just real sweet, right here. They do this every year," George said as her 5-year-old daughter held new Play-Doh and her 2-year-old daughter on her hip held a black-and-indigo colored football.
The caravan of nearly a dozen classic vehicles loaded with toys, snacks and candy started in south Houston. On an overcast morning, the drivers joyously honked their horns and drew out community members who smiled, waved, and filmed the passing cars, including a bright red 1961 Impala and a 1983 Buick Regal.
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The car club's toy distribution is in its 33rd year, Rechelle Herrera said. As the daughter of the car club's vice president, Johnny Herrera, and goddaughter of club president Sotero "Shorty" Villarreal, she has spent most of her Christmas holidays devoted to this tradition for the community.
She and her son handed out bags of candy and snacks near the back of the caravan, trailing behind club member Frank Hernandez and his family.
The club, which comes together for other holidays and community events, planned to help about 2,500 Houstonians in low-income neighborhoods this year.
Over the years, the event that started out with three lowriders and their families has grown "bigger and better," she said.
"Everybody knows it's how we spend our Christmas, and we love doing it," Herrera said.