Central Point, Ore., The Southern Oregon Toy Run is a tradition 36 years in the making, with over 600 bikers and thousands of toys.
And organizer Mark Daley says it’s all made possible by an unlikely bunch.
“Nobody understands the biker community like we do because we’re in it, but the way they support and come to your aid when they need it, there’s just nothing else like it.”
Every year on the first Saturday of December, bikers gather at the Touvelle Lodge in Central Point with one goal — to collect toys for under privileged children in the Rogue Valley.
“We ask for all age group toys, along with we get direct donations, but we see lots of bicycles skateboards, big bears, of course every kid loves a big bear.” said Daley.
But this year is more special than others, the toy drive was set to end in 2015.
But thanks to some local, dedicated businesses – Star Body Works and Thunderstruck Custom Bikes, the run will continue.
“It just feels like a natural fit, I mean I was nervous this morning, you know being the first time I was heading it up.” said Daley.
People of all ages, even some dogs, show up every year to ride for the cause.
“She’s been riding since she was 10 weeks old. I open up the garage door and there she goes. She gets up and wants to go for a ride.” said one participant, Daryl Farrington.
A ride that will now continue bringing Christmas cheer to local children.
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