SANTA’S HELPERS
Harley owners collect toys, cash on annual Toys for Tots Ride
Local bikers hopped on their Harleys on Sunday to help underprivileged children have a happy holiday season.
The Brunswick Harley Owners Group collected toys and cash donations for the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots Program during its 19th annual Toys for Tots Benefit Ride, with warm temperatures and blue skies attracting 600 motorcyclists, more than ever before.
“It ought to be the biggest ride we’ve ever had because of the weather,” said Tom Hall, director of the local group, before the ride began.
Riders had the option of donating $10 or a new unwrapped toy to the Capital Region chapter of the Toys for Tots program as a registration fee.
“We will collect thousands of dollars for donations and hundreds of toys,” Hall said as more and more participants registered.
The 25-mile trip started at Brunswick Harley Davidson and rolled through Lansingburgh, Cohoes, Crescent and Halfmoon before wrapping up with a post-ride gathering in Niskayuna. The parade of bikes included riders wearing Santa hats, holiday wear and other festive gear. Troy resident Dean Courter, a HOG member and Patriot Rider, suits up as Santa Claus each year to lead the ride.
“It’s for the kids, that’s what it’s about. That’s what’s most important,”
“Christmas is all about the kids. Every child should have at least a toy to open up. Anything you can do to help put a smile on a child’s face is just worth every bit of effort."
— Toni Szesnat
said Courter, who was pleased with the strong turnout.
Toni and Dan Szesnat of Voorheesville, who have been riding in the event for about three or four years, said they also take part as a way to help area children. “Christmas is all about the kids,” Toni Szesnat said. “Every child should have at least a toy to open up. Anything you can do to help put a smile on a child’s face is just worth every bit of effort.”
The motorcycle community’s effort makes a big difference, said Timothy Forbes, Rensselaer County coordinator for Capital Region Toys for Tots. “All of these toys are locally donated, locally distributed to our nonprofit partners.”
Hall, who gets to see some of the donations reach local families, called the Toys for Tots program eyeopening.
“This program gives kids the one happy day a year they may have,” he said. “It is extremely gratifying. It’s a real high for us that lasts the whole year.”
And the support seen Sunday was equally eyepopping.
“This is phenomenal,” Hall said as he looked out over a sea of bikes and their riders. “This is the highlight of our year, and it’s very gratifying to us.”
Members of the Brunswick Harley Owners Group — like other regional biker groups — are happy to help in raising money for charitable causes, Hall said.
“People who ride motorcycles are some of the most generous people on this planet,” he said. “Whatever background they come from, they always give.”
For more information on Toys for Tots, including how to donate, visit www.toysfortots.org.