Volkswagen event to aid Elizabeth House in Pasadena Dec. 14

For the past two years, hundreds of Volkswagens have gathered in Pasadena to donate toys for the children of Elizabeth House. The local VW Club, Stadt Der Rosen, and Jeff’s Kaddie Shack began the charity drive in 2010 and, since then, it has become one of the most favored events for classic VW owners during the holiday season. This year's event will take place on Friday, December 14, between 7 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.

Chapter President Elias Mena said, “We wanted to do something to give back to the community. When we started it, it was just our club and a few friends, now we have so many clubs, sponsors and donations it seems unbelievable. I feel that the Volkswagen Community is really drawn to giving, and this is an event we can all be proud of."

Elizabeth House is a non-profit organization that specifically addresses the needs of pregnant women who are homeless and was founded in 1994. The collections gathered by the clubs and sponsors go directly to this 501 c-3 and are welcomed with open arms during the holiday season. Last year over 350 VW’s came from all over the Southern California area to donate toys and clothes to this worthy charity. For more information about Elizabeth House and the services it offers, visit www.elizabethhouse.net

The event has drawn the attention of many sponsors, car buffs, and, of course, Volkswagen fans. 

"Seeing the fleet of cars gathered at the Original Tommy’s Hamburger Stand on Hill Street in Pasadena is quite a thrill," says Mena. "Guests can walk through a car show and see so many classic VW's of all shapes and sizes that any fan of classic cars would have a thrill...but that's just the warm up! Toward the end of the evening, the cars fire up their little four cylinder engines and a small roar of German engineering is heard as they make their way down Colorado Boulevard through Old Town Pasadena to the cheers of people out holiday shopping and seeing the sights."

Mena encourages those seeking a great event, combining fun and a worthy purpose, to join him and his fellow VW enthusiasts.

"Our 'Christmas Jam' will thunder through Old Town Pasadena, on its way to make a whole house full of kids jump with delight," Mena says with a smile. "As we like to say,  Merry Christmas to all, and to all a nice ride!"