OCTOBER 1, 2009 ISSUE
Christian Motorcyclist Association Hosts 5th Annual Toy Run at Boone Mall Saturday
Participate and/or Donate To Help Less-Fortunate Kids Have a Better Christmas
The Peacemakers Chapter of the Christian Motorcyclist Association will host its 5th annual High Country Toy Run this Saturday, October 3, at Boone Mall. The ride and classic car show raises funds so that less-fortunate children from the area can have a brighter Christmas. Photo submittedWhen Tiny Tim of Dickens’ Christmas Carol woke up on Christmas Day to gifts he never expected, his little face was transformed into grins of delight.
And that’s what will happen to many disadvantaged children this Christmas morning if the Peacemakers Chapter of the Christian Motorcyclist Association gets its way.
The group is calling for biker and antique car owner participants for the 5th annual High Country Toy Run this Saturday, October 3. Support of the event will help make the Tiny Tim kind of difference to many local poor children. And if businesses and members of the public also donate, the number of kids who benefit could rise beyond the 2008 list of beneficiaries.
Last year, the Toy Run “helped more than 300 children,” said Becky Fowler, an organizer of the event. “We bought gifts of clothing [such as] hats, gloves, boots and school supplies. We bought the things they need along with toys.”
The Peacemakers distribute the gifts to the parents or caregivers of children in the High Country and surrounding counties close to Christmas. The parents and caregivers, in turn, give the gifts to the children on Christmas morning.
The Toy Run is to highlight the gift and donation drive and also to raise funds for the gifts. Registration takes place at Boone Mall from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. this Saturday, October 3. The fee is an unwrapped toy or gift worth at least $20, or a donation of $20 or more. Registration includes a t-shirt, a meal and a door prize ticket. Car owners can either join the run or display their car at Boone Mall.
The run starts at 11:00 a.m. The Watauga Country Sheriff’s Office and Boone Police Department will escort the ride to Wilkesboro via Highway 421, circle around to Highway 321 and return to Boone via Blowing Rock. This is the first time that antique car owners will take part.
“Everybody is welcome,” Fowler said, whether people want to participate in the ride, examine the antique cars or let their kids have fun on the children’s air ride.
Bandana’s Barbecue will provide food and there will also be a silent auction and a 50/50 drawing.
“You don’t have to have a motorbike or a car to join in,” said Fowler. Donations are very welcome, she added.
Fowler said the drive has received high-quality goods and handmade items for the silent auction, such as carved wooden bears, a commemorative signed football from ASU Head Coach Jerry Moore, a patio set and gift cards. A toy and gift drop-off box is located in the lobby of the Watauga Country Sheriff’s Office and at Boone Police Department.
For more information, or to make donations, contact Fowler at 828-265-0950.
Want To Go?
Date: Saturday, October 3
Time: Registration 9:00 to 11:00 a.m./Toy Run starts at 11:00 a.m.
Location: Boone Mall parking lot
Cost: $20 (or more) participants/free to spectators
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