Gary Clause to bring holiday gifts to local kids

The Bailey’s Crossroads Rotary Club is helping to ensure local children will have a happy holiday. The club contributed $2,000 to the Mason Police District’s toy shopping spree Dec. 6 at Target to support the annual Gary Clause events.

The funds come from the Rotary club’s Mustang sweepstakes.

Gary Clause started nearly 20 years ago when Det. Gary Moore, dressed as Santa, distributed toys to children from lower-income households in Culmore.

The event has grown since then. This year, Gary Clause will take place on Dec. 14 at two locations – in Culmore and Annandale – and will include hot chocolate, other treats, and police K9s, as well as presents to children.

Residents are invited to support Gary Clause by donating new, unwrapped toys to the Mason Police District by Dec. 12.

Related story: Police bring holiday gifts to kids in Culmore

The Leasing Agents Partnership/Parkwood Apartments in Culmore, the Fairfax County Police Cadets, and individual police officers contributed another $900 for Gary Clause.   

The Bailey’s Crossroads Rotary Club also donated $750 worth of toys to be distributed by Saint Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in Bailey’s Crossroads and $210 worth of gift cards to police volunteers.