RIO LINDA, CA (MPG) - This holiday season, the Haulin' Hoofs Horse Club of Rio Linda is combining community spirit, holiday cheer and a touch of equestrian magic for a festive food drive to benefit those in need.

At noon Dec. 14, members of the club will saddle up in their Christmas best and ride through the town, collecting canned food donations and spreading holiday joy along the way.

The event, organized by the Haulin' Hoofs Horse Club, will begin at the Rio Linda Library, 6724 6th St., with riders making their way through town in full holiday attire: think Santa hats, reindeer antlers and jingle bells. As they ride, they’ll sing Christmas carols, spread cheer and hand out candy to onlookers, making this event a heartwarming spectacle for all ages.

The food collected during the drive will be donated to the Rio Linda Lions Club, which will then distribute it through its long-standing Ruby's Christmas Basket program.

According to Rio Linda Lions Club Secretary Gene Kypke, the Lions Club has been doing the Ruby’s Christmas Basket program for more than 60 years. With these efforts, they have been providing food and necessities for local families for many years, ensuring that those in need have a festive holiday meal and essential supplies during the winter season.

Founded in 2009 by former resident Laura Vanbaak and a small group of fellow horse enthusiasts, the Haulin' Hoofs Horse Club has grown to 131 members, all of whom share a love for horseback riding and a commitment to community service.

“Originally, the goal was to meet other horse minded folks, find trails to ride and have a good time,” Vanbaak said. “One of our members invited the members to their place to dress up the horses and ride along the street. We had 20 plus decorated horses walking down the road, riders singing Christmas songs and handing out candy. Someone told us about Ruby's Basket and a tradition was born.”

This annual food drive is one of the club's most anticipated events of the year, and it holds a special place in the hearts of both participants and those they aim to help, according to Vanbaak.

Donations for the drive include a variety of non-perishable food items, such as peanut butter, jelly, canned tomatoes, pasta, rice, and dry beans, as well as holiday fixings such as canned soup, tuna and cooking oil. The Lions Club is also asking for toiletry items such as soap, toilet paper and basic cleaning supplies.

A full list of items needed includes peanut butter, jelly (32 oz), tomato sauce (15 oz), diced tomatoes (15 oz), spaghetti noodles (1 pound), spaghetti sauce (26 oz), elbow macaroni (1 pound), rice (1 pound), dry beans (pinto, navy, kidney), canned beans (15 oz), tuna fish, soup, cooking oil, sugar, flour, mayonnaise, toilet paper, soap and holiday fixings.

This spirited event is not just a chance to give back to the community but also a reminder of the kindness and generosity that defines the holiday season, according to Vanbaak. So, mark your calendars, and get ready to enjoy the festive atmosphere while supporting a worthy cause in Rio Linda!