Despite the fact that I used to wish that it was Christmas every day when I was a kid, I know now that part of what makes the holidays so special is the fact that they are just that – special.   In retrospect, looking forward to winter’s boon of family time, reindeer cookies and presents under a sparkly tree has been as much a part of my holiday enjoyment as the big day itself.

That being said, the First Annual End of Summer Cruise-In is coming up on Saturday, September 24, giving Ocala residents a great way to get into the giving spirit a bit early this year.  The Cruise-In is a day of family fun at Paddock Mall, where attendees can donate a box full of goodies to Operation Christmas Child and enjoy an afternoon of good food, classic cars, a silent auction and some excellent prizes.

For more info about what exactly to put in an OCC shoebox, go to go to www.samaritanspurse.org.  If you have any questions about the event, call 352-629-6079.  Hope to see you there!