It's become a tradition down in Houston, Texas, that "Shorty" Villareal from Shorty's Hydraulics in Houston, Texas, and local club Latin Fantasy C.C. team up to throw a car show late in the year to raise money for a good cause. Every year, Shorty raises close to five "Gs" to purchase toys for less fortunate children in the area.
But the toy delivery coverage almost didn't happen. With all of the traveling and all of the work at the magazine, we forgot the exact day that we had to fly out to H-town. After crying and begging the people at the airline and coming up with a good excuse why we missed our nonrefundable flight, we were able to catch a late flight on December 24.As we waited to board the plane, I was trying to figure out what to tell my daughter about why I wasn't home for the traditional Christmas dinner. Going to Houston meant seeing my loved ones whom I miss while living in Califas. After a late meal and some sleep, it was time to get our stuff together, hook up with Latin Fantasy and get started on that cold day in a convertible.
We were warmed by the joy and smiles that were brought to the faces of thousands of less fortunate kids when we gave them toys, pan dulce and Lowrider Magazine goodies. By day's end, we delivered more than 4,000 toys to the less fortunate. We visited some low income barrios all over H-town and were escorted by the sound of blazing train horns and lights that warn the kids that the "gray sleigh" is arriving with a full truck bed filled with toys. The kids ran to the truck, some of them still in their pajamas and without shoes in the freezing cold, just to be able to get a toy for Christmas.
As we approached one of our last stops, we were rear ended by John's '64 Chevy Impala, which caused major damage to "Chuca's" Cadillac. Inspecting the damage, both the front and rear of the Cadi was smashed and all because of a careless hat. So the day ended in a car wreck, but the damage was nothing compared to all of the smiles that were delivered that day.
Shorty would like to thank all of the people who helped out, especially his car club and all of the sponsors that donated food and time to make Christmas day just a little better for some people. When November comes around again, make sure that you Houston area lowriders support Shorty's car show so that he can raise even more money to buy better toys this Christmas.