With the help of a large group of car lovers and a festive “Christmas Jeep,” the Niagara Area Jeep Club was able to accept loads of donations for Newark Neighbours.

A large group of Jeep enthusiasts gathered outside Phil’s Independent Grocer in Virgil on Saturday to brave the cold and wind in the name of helping the community.

“We’re Jeepers. We’re used to the cold weather,” said Steve Gulley, president of the Niagara Area Jeep Club.

Customers at Phil’s were greeted with the “Christmas Jeep,” a member’s vehicle lovingly decorated with tinsel and lights, to get those in the holiday and donating spirit.

It seemed to work.

This was the eighth annual food drive for the club and Gulley said members were able to collect close to 2,000 pounds of food and $385 in cash donations for Newark Neighbours.

It took a full-sized pickup truck plus four Jeeps loaded to the brim to transport all of the donations, he added.

From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. generous shoppers could grab a list from the Jeepers, including items like canned peas, peanut butter, toiletries and more, to shop for and then donate.

“Unfortunately, the list is getting longer and the number of people that need assistance from Newark Neighbours is also getting larger,” said Gulley.

Luckily, those increasing needs were met with enthusiasm and generosity, he noted.

“It’s nice to see Niagara-on-the-Lake, even though it’s considered ‘wealthy’ people, are chipping in. It’s good to see.”