By Steve Williams

It’s not too late for a Summer Vacation trip.

In fact, the way CARE 365 founder Dave Moore sees it, a ride in the Family Truckster may be just what many Americans need after recent disturbing events.

Moore has converted the Truckster’s Christmas Vacation look this past winter to Summer Vacation style. In other words, the Christmas tree on top has been replaced with light blue Samsonite luggage, which Moore personally painted and waterproofed for the trip to Walley World or Mascot.

The local trip is free for the asking.

Moore said the Summer Vacation season started June 21, the first day of summer, and will continue through Sept. 21. The second Christmas Vacation season will begin the day before Thanksgiving and run through mid-January.

Careacter Cars has become a new part of the CARE 365, said Moore, and a tribute to the National Lampoon Christmas and Summer Vacation movies that starred Chevy Chase. Other Careacter Cars also are going to be added in the future.

“Our country seems to be in such disarray with a lot of people’s uncertainty about our future,” said Moore. “All the shootings and turmoil and rioting. It kind of reminds me of the 1960s.

“Somehow, some way I think the Family Truckster is good for people who are concerned and worried about our country. Maybe just for a second it takes their mind off all that and helps them with their world view.”

Moore, a former high school football coach at Knoxville Catholic and Lenoir City and an Oak Ridge High School Hall of Fame inductee last fall, had been looking for the right wagon for four or five years.

The summer truckster has drawn as much if not more attention than the winter truckster, said Moore. “Sometimes it’s like being at a ball game at night with all the flashes from pictures being taken.”

Moore also “modernized” the summer truckster, adding items like “Woody” and a fish hanging from a fishing rod for the younger kids who may not have seen the movie to relate to it. Moore also added some UT luggage to support the Vols and a Lady Vol flag in honor of Pat Summitt.

Moore also welcomes donations of stuffed animals or children’s toys, which he hands out free to kids when a crowd gathers.

CARE 365 is a 501c3 non-profit organization. Moore said he pays for fuel and all other expenses for the Family Truckster.

Torie Nepomuceno, a Volunteer Lawn Company employee, got a treat last Wednesday when she saw the summer truckster on her lunch break.

“As soon as I saw it, I knew exactly what it was,” she said. “I got super excited, took pictures and sent them to my best friend.

“It was a blessing that he does it just for the pure enjoyment. Not too many people do that.”

For your free Summer Vacation trip or information about making donations, give Coach Moore a call at Vol-966-CARE.