-Story by Larry Surratt February 2011
As we roll into the holiday season, with its cheer and good will, this would be a perfect time to take a look at a few of the different toy runs that go on here in the valley and the impact that they have. Every year, people behind the scenes work tirelessly to put on these events that contribute to their entire respective communities. The toy run is special. Not only because it helps under-privileged children and families at Christmas, but it spawned the concept of promoting motorcycle runs for charities. Now, not only during the holidays but throughout the year, runs occur almost every weekend to support such notable causes as food banks; law enforcement and fire department support agencies; children’s autism; youth activities; breast cancer; active-duty military personnel, veterans and their families. There are food drives, as well as drives for jackets, backpacks and school supplies. Actor Mickey Jones, who emcees the annual Bikers United 4 Kids run, put it best. “I’ve always felt that bikers donate more to charities and the needy than any other group of people in the nation,” he said. “Everybody always thinks of bikers as rough and tough, but they’re a very caring breed of person,” he elaborated. In writing this article, we would like to thank the organizers that put on these events; the volunteers who work at the events; and the bikers who attend the events. In concert, they come together to generate so much good for the groups and causes that they represent.
Tulare County Toy Run – According to Geoff Allen, general manager of Visalia Harley-Davidson, the Tulare County Toy Run began in 1989, with the local Harley dealer has been involved since 1995. For this run, which occurs the third week of October, riders pay at the registration. The registration money, raffle ticket sales proceeds, and donations from county merchants, are then used to purchase toys at special prices from local Wal-Marts and other stores. The toys are distributed to children whose names are provided by various organizations including the Tulare County Deputy Sheriffs Association, CASA, and Visalia Emergency Aid. With strong community support every year, Geoff estimates that with an average of about $40,000 raised each year, over $500,000 worth of toys have been contributed since the beginning of the run.
Bakersfield Toy Run – The idea for the Bakersfield Toy Run originated over 27 years ago when a group of Bakersfield riders were returning from a Los Angeles toy run. As the story goes, they got a little cold coming back over the Grapevine. So that’s when Bob Atkinson, Ron “Sleepy” Laurin, Don “Doc” Mason, and Jim and Debbie Harmin, among others, decided to start a toy run in their home town. The following year, in 1983, the first toy run was held in Bakersfield. Last year, over 4,000 riders were involved, with another 300 cars taking part in the run. The run, which became a non-profit corporation this year, is now the oldest and largest run affiliated with the Salvation Army nationwide. Participants donate non-perishable foods and unwrapped toys, as well as cash. These donations and others from local merchants and community supporters, help provide for 1,200 families chosen by city agencies.
"It’s rather unique for this run, as it’s actually a parade. Riders are not required to wear helmets and non-street legal bikes and vehicles are welcome. Even ATVs and cars can join the fun. The parade starts at Beach Park at 24th and Oak Streets, making its way through town towards The Kern County Fairgrounds, where bikes and cars can compete to win trophies for best holiday-themed decorations. According to President John Mullin, who joined the toy run in 1999, it has never rained on the parade (no pun intended).
Bikers United 4 Kids Toy Run – Started over 22 years ago, the event is billed as being the kick-off to the holiday giving season in Tulare and Kings counties. The organizer of the event is the G For Kids Foundation, a non-profit family foundation started by the owners of Groppetti Automotive in Visalia. The foundation was designed to be a lasting source of financial assistance for underprivileged and disadvantaged children in the community. This year’s beneficiaries were the Visalia Police Activities League, Tulare County Boys and Girls Clubs, the Happy Trails Riding Academy, Friends of Tulare County, and Read for Life. Beneficiaries must apply for a grant through the G For Kids Foundation to become eligible. The foundation only considers children-oriented organizations as beneficiaries. According to volunteer Mary Dennis, this year’s installment had over 600 riders, which due to the economy was down from their highest attendance of over 1,100 riders. After a somber invocation from actor Mickey Jones, a regular emcee at the event, and a spirited version of the Star Spangled Banner, this year’s participants embarked on an 82-mile ride through the Sierra Nevada foothills, ending at the Eagle Mountain Casino outside of Porterville.
