“Last year we had the biggest group we’ve ever had with about 700 motorcycles,” Durham said.
He said the event shows that bikers and the community itself have big hearts.
“This event is for the kids – it’s just seeing the expression on their faces and the fact that they probably wouldn’t have Christmas unless we did this,” Durham said. “We want people to understand how important it is and just be able to enjoy the parade itself. It will bring a lot of motorcycles through town.”
Riders in the run are asked to bring a $10 toy or $10. Gee said last year this amounted to 47 bags of toys and $12,000 to give to kids in need.
The money is raised through T-shirt sales, a 50/50 drawing and the money collected from those who didn’t bring a toy.
The money raised is then split between four charities – Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry, Polk County Department of Social Services, Steps to HOPE and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
The Toy Run will start at the Saluda Fire Department at 11 a.m. where Toy Run motorcyclists will first enjoy a barbecue lunch, DJ music and free give-a-ways before beginning their parade trek through Polk County. At 2 p.m. Santa and a truck full of toys, along with a line of motorcycles loaded with additional toys, will pull out of the Saluda Fire Department to begin the parade. The parade will arrive in Tryon at 2:15 p.m. and will pass through Landrum at 2:30 p.m. Motorcyclists will pass through Green Greek and Mill Spring and will arrive at their final destination at the Polk County Courthouse in Columbus, North Carolina at 3 p.m.