Revving engines and a sea of leather-clad bikers filled downtown Fort Worth in freezing temperatures early Sunday morning for the start of the 23rd Annual Big Texas Toy Run.
Each year thousands of bikers gather toys and donations for underprivledged children.
All the money gathered from the Toy Run will benefit Mental Health Mental Retardation of Tarrant County, Dallas MetroCare and other charities.
The toys gathered will be distributed to children in need all over the Metroplex.
Groups of bikers gathered in downtown Fort Worth, Grapevine and Dallas, then hit the road at 1 p.m. with toys in tow. The three groups will met in Arlington, where the toys and donations will be dropped off.
Despite their tough reputations, the bikers said they have a soft spot for children in need.
"If we don't do it, nobody will do it," said Charles Smart, a Fort Worth biker.
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Several Santa look alikes filled the crowd and bikers got into the Christmas spirit by decorating their bikes with wreaths, lights and toy reindeer.
"We decorate because we ride around during Christmas time for the children and put smiles on their faces. You can see them light up when they see us. We do it for the kids to make them a little happier," said biker Larry Smith, who participates in the Big Texas Toy Run every year.
Smith said knowing children will get presents under the Christmas is the reason he returns with more gifts every year.
"It just give you a good, warm feeling in your heart," said Smith.
