Published: December 01, 2008 11:28 am      

Motorcycle clubs to run toys for Toy Shop

DUNCAN — There’s nothing quite like the feel of the cool chrome of a motorcycle or the soft plush of a toy.

Chapter F of the Vietnam Vets MC and the Legacy Vets MC will participate in the annual Toy Run for the Duncan Toy Shop at 1 p.m. Dec. 14. The motorcycle clubs will gather in the Carmike Cinema parking lot and head south to the Toy Shop building.

Spider, with the Vietnam Vets MC, said, “It happens rain or shine. It’s open to everyone, whether you have a car or bike.”

Kathy Snider and Lynn Samples said it provides a chance for the community to help children have a good Christmas. It also is a chance to give back.

“It’s an opportunity for them to come together,” Snider said.

They said there are people in the community who make a point of helping out the Toy Shop because they were helped by the non-profit organization when they were children. This is a chance for them to show gratitude for what was done for them, while helping the next generation.

While the program is a Church Women United project, Snider said the event has long outgrown the group.

Instead, it has developed into a community-wide effort that continues to grow each year.

Spider said he wanted all area supporters to turn out because it would show how important the event is for the community.

“It’s for the children,” he said. “We make a special day to help these ladies with the Toy Shop.

“We want to have everyone help out.”

Lynn and Snider said they appreciate the continued support they receive from the motorcycle clubs. This has been an ongoing contribution for as long as anyone can remember.

They said it’s important to raise toys for children but also to give members of the community the satisfaction of helping.

“It does teach a lot of younger kids the joy of giving,” Snider said.

Samples said the long line of motorcycles almost becomes a quick- moving parade through town.

“Some people watch the Toy Run like a parade,” she said.

There’s another way the event is similar to a parade. It’s all because of a special guest appearance.

Spider said he wouldn’t be surprised if Santa Claus rode his hog in the Toy Run because it has been known to happen from time to time.

In addition to giving back to the community and collecting toys, the Toy Run serves an addition purpose.

“It gives people a chance to see the Toy Shop,” Samples said.