Skeeter customers hook up for local kids

Boats President Jeff Stone and Skeeter employees have put together what they call Skeeter Boatload of Toys for this Christmas season.

Debbie Tipps, executive administrative assistant, said since 1994 Skeeter Boats has hosted its own fishing tournament with one main goal: creating and strengthening relationships with its customers.

Tipps said the weekend tournament involved demonstration rides and competition, youth activities, vendor displays and food.

Daren Cole, event manager for Skeeter Boats, said this year the company was looking for a way to give back to the communities who always contribute to their event and the idea came up to have Christmas in July.

“Each year we’ve tried to add something new to grow the event in some way,” said Cole. “This past year we added a silent auction which raised over $10,000 for four regional and national youth and marine enhancement organization.”

Cole said each registered angler in the tournament was asked to bring one toy and by the end of the tournament the ‘Toy’ boat was loaded down and overflowing with toys. “Its was great to see participants walking through registration with not just one toy but an entire bag full of toys to be donated,” said Cole. “We couldn’t have asked for a better response.” Cole said the toys will be donated to several local shelters and organizations who will distribute the toys to underprivileged children and their families for Christmas.

Tipps said some of the organization these donations will benefit are the Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services, the Kilgore Crisis Center, Longview Interfaith, Hope Haven, Truman W. Smith Children’s Center and the East Texas Angel Network.