Planning underway for annual Polk County Toy Run

Published 12:54 pm Tuesday, July 29, 2025

POLK COUNTY—With the summer heat in full swing, organizers of the Polk County Toy Run are already shifting gears toward the holiday season. Though the event isn’t until November, planning efforts have quietly begun this month, as volunteers and sponsors are making plans for this year.

Held each year on the last Saturday of November, the Toy Run is a cherished tradition in Polk County. Hundreds of motorcyclists roll through the area, delivering new toys and donations to support local children and families in need. The ride, which typically begins in Saluda and winds through scenic mountain roads, culminates in Columbus as participants celebrate.

Due to Hwy. 176 being inaccessible, the Saluda portion of the route will be cut out of this year’s Toy Run.

This month, organizers announced that sponsorship sign-ups will officially open in August, with early outreach already underway. Sponsors will have until October 1 to sign up to have their business name on this year’s Polk County Toy Run T-shirt. For $100, the donors’ company’s name will be displayed on the T-shirt in small print. For donors who donate more than $100, their company’s name will be enlarged depending on the size of the donation. All proceeds will go directly to purchasing gifts for needy children in the area. 

With the help of Outreach, Steps to Hope, Polk County DSS, and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, hundreds of children will be able to experience the joy of Christmas during the holiday season.

“We are so blessed to have four great agencies in Polk County that take all proceeds and reach all the needy every year,” said Toy Run organizer Barry Gee. “I have been blessed to work with the bikers from WNC and the Upstate for 18 years to give back to the kids of Polk County.”

More details about the 2025 Toy Run will be released in the coming weeks via the event’s official Facebook page.