A tribute to motorcyclists and their charitable nature
Maverick - Jan 6, 2011

Motorcyclists are remarkably generous as evidenced by their participation, year after year, in charitable events in communities throughout the world. Think what you will about bikers, but when it comes to giving back to the community, there is no other group that collectively makes an impact like motorcyclists; especially during the Christmas Holiday.   Toy Runs by any name, involve thousands of motorcyclists and generate hundreds of thousands of toys and dollars, which in most cases go directly to deserving children.   

What is a “toy run?” If you are a motorcyclist, motorcycle dealer, or one of the fortunate charities (tax-exempt) on the receiving end of the generous giving, you already know the answer. If you are just getting into motorcycling or do not ride a motorcycle, then you may find this information interesting.

Before I get too far into this, I also want to recognize and give credit to motorcycle dealerships that open their doors outside of business hours to host gatherings at starting points or accommodate barbeques and parties after the charity work has been completed.

Typically, a toy run is made up of a group of motorcyclists, 10 to 65,000+, who have agreed to purchase toys and gifts for children, bring them unwrapped to a predetermined meeting place, and then ride or parade as a group to a drop off point: usually a location suitable to transfer toys and other gifts to a charity’s representative/s. 

Sometimes, motorcyclists will hold a silent auction, poker run or other activity to generate additional revenue. Often, motorcyclists will deliver these gifts directly to children while conveying holiday wishes and encouragement to return to health and happiness. 

Some of the qualifying charities include; domestic violence shelters, children’s hospitals, Salvation Army, and other organizations whose mission is to help make a better life for children.

Toy runs not only directly benefit children. Toy runs advocate for those who are less fortunate by drawing attention to the cause in a fairly dramatic way. At a recent toy run for Children’s Hospital in Denver Colorado, 3,500 motorcyclists rode the ten miles from meetup to destination. The entire route was lined with people, waving, cheering, and thanking the motorcyclists. Of course, there was the ensuing television and other media coverage.   Communities of people are swept into the spirit of these events. 

Click here to watch a run in progress in Philadelphia.

Hundreds of toy runs are organized in many communities throughout the world. South Africa claims the largest as defined by the number of motorcycles – 70,000. On weekends from the beginning of October through Christmas, there are toy runs in multiple cities throughout the US. Think Johnny Cash! Here is the last chorus of “I’ve Been Everywhere” to tweak you imagination:

“I've been to:

Pittsburgh, Parkersburg, Gravelbourg, Colorado,

Ellensburg, Rexburg, Vicksburg, Eldorado,

Larimore, Admore, Haverstraw, Chatanika,

Chaska, Nebraska, Alaska, Opelika,

Baraboo, Waterloo, Kalamazoo, Kansas City,

Sioux City, Cedar City, Dodge City...”

MOTORCYCLISTS AND TOY RUNS ARE EVERYWHERE!!

Toy runs are organized by motorcycling groups: e.g. Harley Owners Groups, A Brotherhood Active Towards Education (ABATE), Gold Wing Road Riders Associations, and BMW Riders Association, by motorcycle dealerships, by Fraternal Order of Police, the Marine Corp, Native American tribes and others. What these diverse groups have in common is love for motorcycles and desire to help others, especially children.

Few spectacles draw attention like a parade of hundreds, sometimes thousands of motorcycles, led by fire trucks and police cars, on their way to deliver a meaningful Christmas message to children…a message of hope. The reasons for the toy run is not lost on any of the participants…IT’S ALL ABOUT THE KIDS!