The spirit of Christmas giving will take center stage Saturday, Nov. 7, as the 16th annual Fill the Sleigh Holiday Market and Toy Drive brings a day of shopping, family entertainment, classic vehicles and charitable giving to the Marshall County Expo Center.
Sponsored by Hope for Marshall County and cosponsored by Wheels with Purpose, the event will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 11545 U.S. Highway 70, between Madill and Kingston. Now in its 16th year, Fill the Sleigh has continued its tradition of bringing the community together to help make the holidays brighter for those in need.
Donations help provide Christmas gifts and food baskets for children, seniors and veterans. This year's event will feature more than 60 vendors, giving shoppers anopportunitytofindholiday gifts while supporting local businesses and independent sellers.
Families can also enjoy a pie and cobbler bake-off, a raffle, Disney and superhero characters, a cake walk for children, free photos with Santa, a doggy Christmas costume contest, food trucks and other activities. The event will also welcome Chantel Martin,Mrs.Oklahoma American, whose personal story of faith, resilience and encouragement reflects the spirit of helping others that is at the heart of the holiday gathering.
Martin is a wife and mother who became a parent at 19. Throughout her life, she has faced difficult seasons that tested her faith, including her own experience with postpartum depression.
Those experiences helped shape her compassion for women and inspired her desire to encourage others who may be struggling through difficult chapters of their lives. One prayer Martin said has followed her throughout her life is simple: “God, use me.”
She said she shares her story in hopes of helping women in all stages and seasons of life feel seen, understood and less alone. Her message centers on the belief that even the most painful experiences can become opportunities to help others and that no difficult chapter has to define the rest of a person's life.
Martin hopes women who hear her story will leave knowing they are not alone and that their lives still hold meaning and purpose. Her appearance adds a message ofhopeandencouragementto an event focused on making a difference for local families and individuals during the Christmas season.
Car and motorcycle enthusiasts will have another reason to attend this year as Wheels with Purpose brings its antique car and bike show to the event. The show offers an opportunity for vehicle owners and visitors to share an appreciation for classic automobiles and motorcycleswhilesupporting the toy drive.
Entry to the car and bike meet requires participants to bring a new, unwrapped toy or make a donation, directly connecting the display to the event's mission of helping others. Admission to the holiday market is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 5 through 17.
Children younger than 5 will be admitted free. Organizers invite families, shoppers, vehicle enthusiasts and residents throughout Marshall County and surrounding communities to attend, enjoy the activities and help fill the sleigh for those who could use extra support this Christmas.
After 16 years, the event continues to demonstrate how a community can come together through generosity, volunteerism and a shared commitment to helping children, seniors and veterans enjoy a brighter holiday season.