A brief history of our event
The event started in 2001 as "The Matthew Allen Memorial Toy Run" among members of the Delaware Jeep Association (DeJA), before our club was even incorporated. Matthew Allen had passed away from Leukemia in March of that year. After some discussion, we decided to see if we could get area Jeep dealers to help us collect donations for the A.I. duPont Hospital for Children, where Matthew had received treatment. Our goal was to help these children, and their families, to have the happiest Holiday Season they could, during this emotionally and financially stressful time. That first year, we had only 15 Jeeps in attendance, and just over 100 donations. Bob Allen, Matthews father, bought a Jeep soon after this first event and joined our club. He is still very active in the planning of this event, and with his foundation for Matt at www.matthewallen.org.
Since that first event in 2001, Jeeps for Joy has donated close to 8,000 toys and items to both the Nemours/ A.I. DuPont Hospital for Children and Children’s Choice Foster Care.