At Lost Worlds, we are a family. A family that comes together to celebrate with a glass of beer and help give back to the community we love. This is our second year, and the Club’s 7th, in hosting Christmas In July and we’re happy to have this event back at our brewery.

A Club That Gives Back

LKN Jeepstyle is a group of approximately 30 members in the Lake Norman area, who get together every month for Jeep off-roading or a charity event. Some previous charitable events they’ve hosted includes a Poker Run for the local humane society and an Adopt a Veteran program, where they sponsor a veteran family & provide them with food and toys. One of their favorite charity events is Christmas in July that combines a Jeep event and raising money for a great cause.

How it Started

In 2013, Christmas in July started as a chance to give the club an opportunity to give back to the community they love. Originally, it started off as a toy drive in December but they found that the hospital has gift-giving needs throughout the year, not just at Christmas time. “Hospitals’ struggle to give out enough toys to last a year especially in the summer so since everyone donates during the holidays, why not do it during the summer?” says founding member, Rebecca Zapcic.

Thanks to Christmas in July, children at Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital receive toys after difficult procedures and for all holidays throughout the year. “Being able to help these kids forget what they are going through by providing them a stuffed animal or cards is so rewarding,” says Branden Wilburn, co-founder of LKN Jeepstyle.

Partnering With Lost Worlds Brewing

During COVID-19, Branden wasn’t going to let that stop LKN Jeepstyle from raising toys and money for the Children’s Hospital. “When Branden came to us, we were still operating under reduced capacity, but found a way to host their event in our large parking lot behind the brewery so they could continue their important work,” says Dave Hamme. Last year, Christmas in July filled 6 Jeeps full of toys, raised $1,100 and even bought an iPad for the hospital floor during their inaugural event at Lost Worlds Brewing.

LKN Jeepstyle’s wants to get the whole community together for a fun jeep event that helps raise money for the Children’s Hospital. We are excited to host this opportunity that allows for people to drop off toys and be a part of the fun festivities like a raffle, Jeep show and flex ramp.

“We are more than just Jeep lovers, we are parents and we love giving back to the community,” says Zapcic.

Giving Back: Christmas Comes Early Thanks to LKN Jeep Club