Two families, nine children and one very merry Christmas from Henderson Motorsports and Co.

Racing family, community giving back

Friday, Santa will be making a special delivery in the La Crosse area.

But, instead of a sleigh and eight reindeer, Santa will be riding in the No. 33 from Henderson Motorsports. So, instead of jingle bells, the nine children from two families will hear the roar of the Late Model coming down the road – but not onto any rooftops.

“This has been just an amazing project,” driver Matt Henderson, a Central High School graduate, said. “It’s an opportunity to give back and make a difference. There’s no better feeling.”

They’ll be joined by the La Crosse School District, Midwest Family Broadcasting and others, in bringing gifts to two local families that include nine children.

“This is yet another example of the amazing community that we live in,” Randy Nelson, superintendent of schools, said. “This will be a holiday these families will never forget, and we are thankful for all the organizations that have supported our students during the holidays as well as throughout the school year.”

The school district put together a gift list for two families and the sponsors collected donations from businesses. This marks the third Christmas that local families will be surprised by the gift presentation led by an actual race car.