Toy Run Rolls into Arlington 50,000 Strong
By FRANK HEINZ and ASHANTI BLAIZE
Updated 5:26 PM CDT, Mon, Dec 21, 2009
It only happens one day a year, but when 50,000 motorcycles hit the road for the Big Texas Toy Run it's a sight not to be missed.
For the past 24 years, the cavalcade has drawn stares from the thousands of people who have lined Interstate 30 to witness the annual procession of gift-carrying and seasonally-attired riders.
Sunday's ride was no exception and plenty were on hand to witness the two groups of riders converge on Arlington. Traditionally, the toy run involves two groups -- one group starting in Dallas and the other in Fort Worth -- who ride in a procession to the Arlington Convention Center.
"This is the largest single motorcycle event for charity in the world," said Gene Long. "All the toys and all the cash goes to Tarrant County Mental Health and Mental Retardation and Dallas County Metro Care.
Volunteers and recipients alike are thankful and proud of the project that has helped local families since 1985.
"We work real hard putting this thing together to make sure that the kids that would not normally have a Christmas will have a Christmas," said Todd McEvoy, volunteer.
"They bring a lot of joy to children on the one day when every child should be enjoying and expecting Santa to come," said Sara Berglass, Metrocare.
Once the final rider made it to Arlington, organizers began handing out the presents to the kids in need.
First Published: Dec 21, 2009 11:49 AM CDT
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