A classic 1950s Chevy truck parked in the lobby of Mesa Valley Estates with a sign in the bed, prompting food donations for the Parade of Lights food drive, instigated a large donation from Chuck Thompson, a Mesa Valley Estates resident.

Thompson said, “There was hardly anything in the truck; that was pathetic. So, I gave Debbie Benham a check for $1,000. We went to the grocery store and gave a good start to filling the bed of this truck. The food goes to the Salvation Army to help the people who are in need. I am happy to do this.”

The truck is owned by Sarah and David Russell. He is vice president of Mission Senior Living. David takes the truck intermittently to the senior facilities and gives residents rides. Thompson got a ride in the truck.

Beham said they have collected 17,250 pounds of food so far and there are 35 entries in the parade so far.

The Parade of Lights will be on Dec. 4 at 5:30 p.m., going down Mesquite Boulevard from Arrowhead to City Hall, where Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus will be meeting the kiddos. Everyone is asked to bring some nonperishable foods for the Salvation Army Food Pantry. There will be walkers with grocery carts collecting donations.