Taking flight for ‘Toys for Tots’

Published 10:25 pm Wednesday, November 17, 2010

The skies above Lone Star Lakes will be filled with planes as they take flight to support Toys for Tots on Saturday.

The Hampton Roads Radio Control Club is hosting its fourth annual “fun fly” on Saturday, with events beginning at 8:30 a.m. and continuing throughout the day.

“It’s always a great event,” said Mills Staylor, with the HRRC. “Everyone always enjoys the fellowship and the planes, but the main thing we’re about on Saturday is raising money and toys for Toys for Tots to bring kids Christmas.”

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The organization is asking for a $10 donation or a new, unwrapped toy for a child as a landing fee.

All participants must be AMA certified. Spectators are welcome, and there will be trainers with trainer planes available for anyone interested in trying their hand at flying a radio-controlled aircraft.

“There are always spectators who come out to see people fly,” Staylor said. “It’s really incredible to watch. These aren’t toys. There are planes of all sizes and models. We have a number of war birds to World War II vintage fighter planes. Some of them are quite large. It makes for a great morning out.”

There is no fee for spectators, but there will be collection bins for toys and donations if anyone would like to use the opportunity to donate to Toys for Tots, Staylor said.

The event began four years ago when a member of the HRRC, which has about 80 members, suggested it use its resources to benefit Toys for Tots.

Last year, the organization collected several large boxes and $1,500 to donate to the charity.

Staylor estimated that the group has collected nearly $5,000 to donate to the charity.

The event draws people from throughout Hampton Roads and into North Carolina.

The field is off the Pembroke Road entrance to Lone Star Lakes, on the left, before the clubhouse.

For more information on the HRRC, visit www.hamptonroadsrc.com.