The Press-Dispatch
Issue link: http://www.ifoldsflip.com/i/99608
A-4 Wednesday, December 19, 2012 The Press-Dispatch Tractors for Trenton brings Christmas joy to many kids By Mike Johansen For the second year in a row, a new program to help needy kids at Christmas time will light up the lives of children in Pike, Gibson and Dubois counties with a special Christmas they might not have had otherwise. What began from a personal tragedy in May of 2011 and an effort to keep alive the memory of a lost son, has grown into a huge undertaking that will give 105 kids the joy of Christmas they might not have had if it were not for the Tractors for Trenton Program. In May of 2011, Jason and Amber Traylor Leighty lost their one-year-old son, Trenton Dale Edward Leighty, in an accident at the family home in their pool. The loss was devastating to the family and their friends. A mber, and her family, searched their hearts during the days following the funeral seeking ways to remember Trenton and ease the pain of the loss for the family. One of the things Trenton loved was his John Deere miniature tractor. That love of his, in his mother's mind, grew into something that has become very special for many area children—and a way to keep Trenton's memory alive and fresh. Amber started the drive to get Tractors for Trenton started in late summer of 2011 and it has been building ever since. They held a bear toss at a Pike Central home game recently to raise funds. Teddy bears were tossed on the floor after the first Lady Chargers basket. They were gathered up and now are in packages for kids for Christmas. There have been other fund raising events throughout the year to come up with the money for the new program. The first year, Amber thought maybe they could come up with enough donations and items, especially John Deere and other brand tractors for kids, they could help 40 under privileged kids have a much merrier Christmas and at the same time help the Leighty family with the healing process. It came about as a way to not only remember Trenton, but to help other little kids at a special time of year. The organization had snow balled into helping 85 kids the first year, double the original number. Amber has taken the bull by the horns and organized the effort with the help of many neighbors and friends. The group was officially organized and has been working for a full year now and this year 105 kids in three counties will receive gifts through the Tractors for Trenton Program. They have also donated blankets to Memorial Hospital, Daviess Community Hospital, held swim lessons for over 180 children, helped children fighting cancer, helped with local house fires by providing items and conducted CPR classes. They are all about helping the children of our community. Last Sunday, there was a gathering at the Otwell Community Center to wrap the gifts and prepare them for distribution. The Pike Central High School Student Government, T he PCHS Key Club, the Pike Central High School National Honor Society, the Pike Central FCCLA, the Pike Central FFA, the Pike Central High School cheerleaders and other volunteers gathered to do the wrapping for the gifts for the kids. There were enough volunteers at the Otwell Community Center that it took less NETedition Exclusive video Stephanie Richardson tears off some wrapping paper as Marissa Aders, Kaylee Gray and Jessica Boudakian wrap gifts for the Tractors for Trenton program to help children at Christmastime. than two hours to wrap all the gifts and load them into a trailer. "I just want to thank everyone who has contributed or helped to make Christmas better for the children of our community this year. We are helping many children in Dubois, Pike and Gibson counties," said Amber Traylor Leighty on a post on the Facebook site Tractors for Trenton. "I want to let everyone know what we are giving each child or family. The child is getting an outfit, socks, undies, pj's, hat, gloves, books, toys, and any special clothing needs they requested. They are also getting a family gift, this gift consists of a bigger toy that each child can enjoy. This would not be possible without the generous help of all of you!" The people helping wrap on Sunday not only provided labor, but they brought supplies and wrapping paper as well. "I want to give praise to God for giving me this mis- sion and fulfilling every expectation that we had," said Mrs. Leighty. "My son's, Trenton, memory is being spread in such a wonderful way, and it helps me to continue to heal. Words cannot express how much this whole process has helped me. God bless all of you, my love is sent to all of you, may you all have a wonderful Christmas this year." "I also want to thank Jasper High School, Pike Central Middle and High School, Petersburg Elementary, Otwell Elementary, Winslow Elementary, University of Southern Indiana, Play 'n Learn Preschool, Learn & Grow Preschool for all of their donations, and many others, without their generosity we would not be able to serve all of these children," said Leighty. The memory of Trenton Leighty will go on through the help provided by so many to help the kids in need in the three area counties. For more information, see the Tractors for Trenton site on Facebook. "Christmas 2012 is done with! Thanks everyone who helped wrap today! 105 children done! We will be collecting till the end of December to ramp up for Christmas 2013, we hope to help even more children next year!! May all of you have a very blessed Christmas!!" said Leighty after Sunday's event. Holiday Clearance Sale Warm up with Great Deals from Indiana Pools & Spas! Preparing gifts for the children being helped by Tractors for Trenton was the goal of volunteers at the Otwell Community Center on Sunday. Tanner Gray, Jason McKinney, Jeffrey Estey and Demetre Young were among those who volunteered. Left: Brandi and Gena Ruble joined together to wrap and label gifts for the Tractors for Trenton program at the Otwell Community Center Sunday afternoon. Something newsworthy? Give us a call— 354-8500 Save on In-Stock: • Hot Tubs • Saunas • Pools • Chemicals See terms and details in store. Indiana Pools & Spas WASHINGTON Lay-A-Way Now! iHeater Sale Price 289 $ Reg. Price $379 While supplies last. 1735 S. State Road 57, Suite 104 812-254-9300 indianapoolsandspas.net Mon., Tues., Thurs., & Fri. 9am-4pm Wed. & Sat. Open by appointment only Closed from Dec. 22 - Jan. 3 for the Holidays! Private Suites Now Available. Golden Living Center r now offers private, short-term, Medicare rehab suites at no additional charge that offer more convenience and privacy for both residents and their visitors. ors. 19" to 65" If you're interested in this option, call us today for more information. LED • LCD • PLAsmA many to choose from! Big or Small, We Sell Them All at Units are new overstock or have slight cosmetic blemishes. All are under warranty. 109 S. 6th St. Authorized deAler Petersburg 109 354-9633 S. 6th St. Petersburg • 354-9633 Your local EXEDE Broadband Dealer 309 W. Pike Ave., Petersburg (812) 354-8833 Lori Pipes, ADNS; Cathy Eckert, Executive Dir.; Dr. Nate Grow, Medical Dir.; Josie Sturgeon, Dir. of Nursing http://www.goldenlivingcenters.com/petersburg.html