Mayfield delivers Christmas spirit to area youth in need

One of the surest ways to confirm the size of a man's heart is when he puts his own personal disappointment aside and strives to make a day -- no, make that a whole season -- better for some less fortunate kids and families.

It's a big part of what the blessed Christmas season is all about. And it's more poignant this season, since for many in the NASCAR community, being overwhelmed with hopelessness and despair would not be unreasonable, given the starkness of the motorsports landscape.

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For years, Morgan Shepherd, who has a notable motorsports legacy, has become an even bigger hero in northern North Carolina and southern Virginia thanks to the bus trip he makes delivering Christmas cheer, gifts and provisions along the way.

Jeremy Mayfield's hoping that he just had a big part in starting a similar tradition in Charlotte, N.C.

Mayfield had a 2008 season in the Sprint Cup Series that would have beaten a lesser man completely into the dirt, and with driving opportunities dwindling as the economy droops by the day, 2009 is nothing but uncertain.

But for Mayfield and his wife, Shana, a commitment to community has never been far from their minds. So when Mayfield contacted ARCA team owner Doc Watson about making something happen, Watson helped engineer their support of last weekend's "Hope for the Holidays" celebration held at the KIPP Academy of Charlotte and organized by the Eastside Community Development Corporation.

Mayfield was there with Watson and his two ARCA drivers, Kory Rabenold and Rob Jones, and the event was a big enough deal that Charlotte mayor pro tem Susan Burgess and N.C. State Representative Becky Carney also attended.

But it was the mob of about 125 kids, aged 5 to 12, and their families that really struck a chord with the Mayfields.

"It was great to see the happiness on the kids' faces -- and their families," Jeremy Mayfield said. "They were so appreciative of the gifts and food we were able to give them. Even though we feel like we've had a tough couple of years, this really put in perspective how truly blessed we really are.

"It was such a rewarding experience to be able to interact, firsthand with the community. A lot of people give toys and donations and never get to see the people they give them to, so to be able to see and experience the joy firsthand was great. We hope to continue on and make this a bigger deal each year." (Continued)