ORANGE PARK – The Orange Park Clothes Closet and Food Pantry has been helping Clay County residents for a long time now, and even more so during the COVID-19 pandemic as many people are out of work and no longer have a reliable source of income.

But even they need help sometimes.

As their supplies wane, Coast 2 Coast Slingshots and Holeshot Powersports are reaching out to help with its “Show and Glow” competition on July 18.

Slingshots (three-wheel motor vehicles) are coming from all over Florida to have a benefit show. The show and registration are free, but all those attending are asked to bring nonperishable food items and gently used clothing and household items for donation to the OP Clothes Closet and Food Pantry. The gently used clothing requested are items such as blankets, coats, jackets, hats and gloves to help the homeless community during the winter months. These donations will help them to fulfill their mission of assisting the Clay community.

The benefit show hopes to have at least 50 Slingshots.

“We’ve been watching the news, and we’ve seen people who are giving food to the food pantry,” said Beth Davis, Event Coordinator for Coast 2 Coast Slingshots. “People are still in need of food right now. We decided that since the pandemic hit, the best thing for us to do was be able to collect canned foods and replenish some of the food banks in Jacksonville, and we know there was a need for food for Orange Park. Since the [slingshot] show was in Orange Park, the food is benefitting Orange Park.”

Holeshot Powersports will be giving demo rides out to anyone wanting to drive the new 2020 Polaris Slingshot from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Lots of kids really like the Slingshot because their design often resembles the Batmobile.

“You can even take a spin in one of these three-wheel auto cycles yourself,” Davis said.

The show itself will take place from 2-4 p.m. There will also be an evening ride leaving from Powershot sports and going through the countryside. That portion of the show will be at about 6:30 p.m.

“The reason we’re trying to do this is to bring some positivity to our community,” Davis said. “Everybody is worried. Everybody is staying home. This is going to be outside in the fresh air [but Everybody is welcome to wear masks]. We just want to bring the community together over a benefit to get people out, be positive, and we really do want to give back to the community. If we can bring the community together and give back to the food banks, then that’s even better.”