by Charlene Sharpe, USTA Web Newsroom Senior Correspondent

Dover, DE — Led by trainer Janet Davis, horsemen racing at Harrington Raceway and Dover Downs have already donated $6,000 to go toward providing needy children with clothing and toys this Christmas.

Davis says the effort, which she is heading for the third year in a row, shows the community that the harness racing community cares.

“What better way to do it than helping kids that wouldn’t have a Christmas otherwise?” Davis said.

She’s hoping the community will join her Saturday (Dec. 15) at the Dover Mall from 7 a.m. to 12 noon. She will be there with a local radio station accepting donations. Those who want to give don’t have to simply offer money though — Davis has information on more than 50 families she wants to provide clothing and toys to. Those who want to, can go out and purchase items for a specific child on Davis’ list.

“We have a list of their ages and what they need and what they’ve asked for,” she said, adding that when the goods were purchased they would be given to the child’s school. “We hope people will do the shopping for us.”

The shopping that Davis doesn’t coordinate on Saturday, she will do later in the week to ensure that all the children whose information has been provided to her by local schools will get something.

“I go out and shop til I drop,” she said. “I clean Walmart out.”

Each child, she said, gets at least socks, underwear, a pair of pants, a shirt and two toys. Children who need a jacket or shoes also receive those.

This year’s Christmas drive will benefit children in the Capital School District, where Dover Downs is, and, if it raises enough money, the Lake Forest School District, where Harrington Raceway is. Davis also tries to take clothing and gifts to local shelters.

Davis said all the money that’s been donated so far has been from horsemen. She said drivers Corey Callahan and Daryl Bier give her substantial donations every year, along with a variety of other trainers, drivers and grooms.

“Even grooms come up and give me the $50 they’re making that night,” she said. “It’s pretty special.”

Davis encourages anyone who wants to help to stop by the Dover Mall Saturday morning, where she will also have a small display about harness racing, or call her at 302.632.7915.