Jolly Trolley nets over $2,000 for “Christmas of Hope”

Forty-one foster kids will have a happier Christmas, thanks to the Jolly Trolley’s contribution to the “Christmas of Hope.”

The effort, held on Dec. 7, raised a total of $2,050 for children served by Fostering Hope, a local non-profit that supports foster families, foster children and case workers in Jasper, Barton, Vernon, Cedar and Dade counties.

A check presentation was held the afternoon of Monday, Dec. 9 at Shirley’s Neighborhood Tavern in Carterville.

Courtney Powell of Shirley’s coordinated the Jolly Trolly, which left the tavern on Dec. 7 and traveled to Happy Jacks, Hogs and Hot Rods, Whiskey Dicks and Old Broadway Club.

The other taverns donated at least $100 each to the cause.

“It was just a great thing, a great cause,” she said. “I think everyone had a great time during the ride. It was very special to us.”

Powell says the Jolly Trolley held over 80 riders. She said she hopes to repeat the holiday activity next year.