Triathlon group, Trifectas, goes the distance to bring Christmas to kids who might otherwise miss out
By Becky Barclay
Published in News on November 26, 2017 3:05 AM
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The three members of the Trifectas who run the team are, from left, David Eckenrod, Scott Johnson and Ray Fields. The group is doing a barbecue plate fundraiser to help local needy families during the Christmas holiday.
Christmas is a magical season for children as they eagerly await Santa's arrival with a bag full of toys. But for some children, Christmas may be just another day, no tree, no fancy holiday meal and no toys.
To help make sure this doesn't happen to Wayne County children, members of Trifectas hold an annual barbecue plate sale to raise funds to purchase things like food, a tree and toys for these children.
The barbecue plate sale will be held Dec. 1 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Jesse's Upholstery, 1311 Greenleaf St. Each plates includes barbecue, green beans, barbecued potatoes and a roll. They are $8 per plate for take-out only. Delivery service is available for orders of five or more.
"We have people order plates each year because they know what the money is going for," said Trifectas president Scott Johnson.
Last year, the group was able to help 25 local families, he said.
"Last year we helped a single mom with three children," Johnson said. "She worked at the turkey plant but had no Christmas tree, food or presents for her children. The kids' principal drove them to the house and we met them there and gave them a tree, food and presents. The looks on those kids' faces were priceless."
Another year, the Trifectas help a family of three in Dudley, dad, pregnant mom and a 5-year-old boy.
"They had no tree, nothing," Johnson said. "All they had was cereal and a little milk and that's what the boy was eating. There was a hole in their bathroom floor and you could see the dirt under the house.
"We bought them a tree, food and all kinds of presents for the boy, who had made out his Christmas list. While he was asleep, we delivered the presents and tree."
Johnson said it's the greatest feeling to be able to do this for people in this community.
"It's the best feeling," he said. "I'd give up everything I had just to help these kids.
"I have a huge heart for families, especially this time of year. We (Trifectas) are all so blessed and to see people at Christmas that struggle, some with literally no food, it breaks my heart. I just want other children to experience what I experienced through the holidays."
Trifectas was formed six years ago. It started out with 10 members and has grown to 40. Johnson and Ray Fields run the club.
Anyone can be in the club, but it's usually those who are interested in triathlons, Johnson said.
"We used to race for a team for orphans with Down syndrome across the nation, but we saw such a need in our community for help for the holidays and other times. We wanted to concentrate more on people here. We go to the inner-city schools here and find families really struggling at Christmas with food, toys, clothes and even utilities."
This year's goal is to be able to help at least 25 to 30 families with Christmas.
Anyone who cannot make it to the barbecue plate sale can make a monetary donation by calling Johnson at 919-921-2573.