Don't Miss the 29th Annual Wichita Toy Run!

If you live in the Wichita area, you won't want to miss the 29th annual Wichita Toy Run. The Toy Run will be held on November 2, 2008, and is sponsored by Kansas ABATE District 8 and the Kansas Modified Bike Associated, in conjunction with the Salvation Army, Wichita Area Food Bank, and the United States Marine Corps' Toys For Tots. The purpose of the Toy Run each year is to bring toys to kids around the City of Wichita, who might not have a special Christmas otherwise. The Toy Run also includes a parade of bikes through Wichita for the public's enjoyment, beginning at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium in downtown Wichita, and winding up at the Kansas Coliseum. The event is followed by a lunch meal, silent auction, commemorative T-shirt, prize give-aways and other vendors. 2006 was my first year participating in the Toy Run, and I noticed that local businesses and citizens were very supportive and appreciative of the Toy Run. This year promises to be even better, with more participants expected, and as a result, more toys and cash donations than in any previous year.

The Toy Run line-up will begin at 10:30 a.m. on November 2nd, and bikes will pull out at 1:00 p.m. Riders (and drivers) should meet at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium, at the corner of Sycamore and Lewis in downtown Wichita. The chili feed will follow the Toy Run, and a meal is only $3.

To participate in the Toy Run, riders simply bring a toy for a child. Each participant must also purchase a Toy Run Button. Toy Run Buttons are easy to obtain - you can simply purchase one during the line-up at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium. You can also purchase the buttons in advance by visiting www.wichitat4t.org, or stopping by Lawrence-Dumont's box office. And while the Toy Run is geared toward those of us that enjoy the road on two wheels, riding a motorcycle is NEVER a requirement - you will also see many cars and trucks participating. Proceeds from the purchase of Toy Run Buttons and t-shirts goes to purchase more toys to benefit local children.

One thing to keep in mind is that one of the age groups of children that are often overlooked is kids ages 8 to 16. Toy Run participants are reminded to bring gifts geared towards these older children. The Toy Run's donations go to the Salvation Army, the Wichita Area Food Bank and the Marine Corps' Toys For Tots program. In fact, the donations from the Toy Run normally comprises over 20% of Toys For Tots' total donations for the year. Last year, Toys For Tots collected 40,000 toys for 11,000 children.

This is not the only Toy Run in Central Kansas. The El Dorado/Butler County Toy Run was held on the first weekend in October, followed by the Newton/Harvey County Toy Run on the second weekend in October. The Hutchinson/Reno County Toy Run will take place on November 16th, so there is plenty of time to help out those who need a hand. If you can't participate in one of these exciting events, you can contact any Salvation Army location, or visit the Toys For Tots website at www.wichitat4t.org for more details on how you can donate. You can also donate online with your credit card at the Toys For Tots website, or mail your donation to the United States Marine Corps Toys for Tots, located at 3026 George Washington Boulevard, Wichita, KS 67210. You can also drop off donations at any Wichita Toys R Us, Wal-Mart and Wendy's locations, beginning the first week of November.

Happy Holidays!!!