By Dawn Burleigh

The Orange Leader

Nutcrackers, bright lights and Christmas trees can only mean one thing, Toy Coffee is just around the corner.

The festivities will include two homes this year, located at 806 and 812 Pine Ave. in the Historic District of Orange. As a special treat, David Byrd is offering one of his antique pick up trucks to be used for collecting the toys for the event instead of the traditional sleigh.

Byrd, of 812 Pine Ave., is an avid car collector. His collection can be seen through the house and offers something for everyone to enjoy during the annual event. Within his ‘man cave’ his collection of model cars add to the holiday decorations.

Loulan Guillot, of 812 Pine Ave., showcases a memory tree decorated with ornaments from her childhood as well as many handmade by family and friends. Each ornament holds a special story of the years.

“I have always enjoyed this season,” Byrd said.

Byrd added, “I don’t decorate, because I won’t do it right.”

Guillot’s daughter helped with the decorating for the Toy Coffee.

Their home is also a historical marker dedicated in 1992. It once belonged to Joe and Annie Lucas. Joe Lucas was a prominent jeweler in Orange and built the home in 1907.

Next door, at 806 Pine Ave., also has historical features as well as Christmas delights. The light fixtures are the original light fixtures from 1923, adding to the 16 beautifully decorated tress throughout the house. Make sure to see Santa hiding in the elevator. The elevator was added to the original house during the 1930s.

Kerri Clark said she has always enjoyed the decorations and the happiness of Christmas.

“I did not decorate like until we bought this house,” Kerri said.

For David Clark, he is looking forward to time with the family and grandchildren at Christmas.

The 61^st Annual Toy Coffee hosted by the Service League of Orange will be 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7 with tours beginning at 812 Pine Ave., in Orange with a donation of an unwrapped toy or a cash donation to benefit The Salvation Army.

This year, in conjunction with Granger Chevrolet and KOGT’s annual can food drive, can goods will also be collected to benefit Orange Christian Services and the Salvation Army.

Earlier in the day, Granger Chevrolet and KOGT Radio 8^th Annual Can Drive is from 7 a.m. – 9 a.m. at Granger Chevrolet to benefit Orange Christian Services and the Salvation Army. This year, toys will also be collected for the Service League of Orange annual Toy Coffee.