Monster Truck rides offered in exchange of gifts for the needy

AUGUSTA — As the last few notes of the 1961 hit song "Blue Moon" floated through the air at the Chatterbox Restaurant on Saturday, Dec. 7, it was clear that the spirit of the holidays was in the air. Not so much from the classic 1950’s and 1960’s music that is a staple of the iconic Sussex County eatery, but from the preponderance of gifts surrounding the gigantic Christmas tree in the middle of the room. The gifts were donations of Chatterbox patrons, and were destined for low-income families in the area thanks to the efforts of Project Self-Sufficiency in Newton and their Season of Hope Holiday Toy Drive.

As an additional incentive for anyone donating a new, unwrapped toy, or at least $5, New Jersey Monster Trucks provided a ride in one of its monster trucks at Ideal Farms located across the street from the eatery.

“Most people have been donating far more than $5,” said Don Hall, owner of the Chatterbox.

Hall was pleased with the support the public was showing for the event. He scooted on a four-wheeler between the buzzing restaurant and the Ideal Farms field, which in addition to the monster truck, also boasted the presence of Scooby-Doo and the Mystery Machine.

“This is our third year doing this,” said Hall, “We love to help. It just works.”

Patrons were in the holiday spirit as at least a quarter of the cars in the parking lot had Christmas trees tied to the roof.

Shawn Oblen, owner of the monster truck "Webslinger" donated use of the truck and his skills as a driver for the two-day event.

“This truck takes about 15 gallons (of fuel) an hour,” said Oblen.

Adventurous patrons entered the back of the truck by way of an eight-foot ladder, strapped on their seat belts and were taken on a high-adrenaline tour of the muddy fields.

Bill Richard, attending the event from Sparta, N.Y. with his two sons Ben and Willie, enjoyed the ride. Ben and Willie summarized the feeling of the ride in a single word: “Awesome!”

Donations of unwrapped new gifts can be made directly to Project Self-Sufficiency at 127 Mill Street, Newton until Dec. 16.