As in year's past, the jockey colony at Indiana Grand will provide toys for the local “Breakfast with Santa” event Saturday, Dec. 12. This season, the jockeys will donate a total of 61 toys, a new record for the annual toy drive.
“I have three kids myself and we are fortunate enough to provide toys for them,” said Manny Esquivel. “I come from a very poor place in Mexico, and just thinking about it, it's hard to think about kids not getting toys for Christmas. I used to play with a stick and make wheels to put on it, and I had fun. But just imaging the kids getting toys, it's something special. I just wish I was there to see their faces when they get them.”
Last year, the jockeys collected 56 toys for “Breakfast with Santa” held through Shelby Parks and Recreation. The event also includes two sessions with breakfast catered by Denny's, and a visit with Santa.
“This is great thing we do each year, and I look forward to it,” said DeShawn Parker, current leading rider at Indiana Grand. “And, because of Covid, I'm sure there are many more families this year that will struggle to get toys for their kids. Hopefully, this will help out and provide a little better Christmas for some kids this year.”
The abbreviated 2020 racing season comes to a close Thursday, Nov. 19 after completing 96 days of racing.
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