Motorcycle Ride Kicks Off Toys for Tots Donation Drive

More than 30 motorcyclists traveled from Hannum’s Harley-Davidson in Sellersville to the Glenside Chapter of Toys for Tots distribution center in Horsham Township as part of a 2017 toy drive kickoff.

The event resulted in the donation of several dozen toys, according to ride organizer, John Davis, of Horsham. A Navy veteran and Patriot Guard Rider, Davis has been involved with Toys for Tots since 2006. Formerly of Delaware, Davis participated annually in a 30-mile motorcycle toy drive in Ocean City, Md. When he relocated to the greater Philadelphia area, Davis looked to get involved with a ride here, but discovered a similar ride did not exist.

“I decided to start my own,” Davis said. “I got the Horsham Police to do the escort. We had a nice ride.”

Guy Vogel, assistant coordinator for the local Toys for Tots, which serves families in lower western Bucks and eastern Montgomery counties, said he was pleased with the effort and hopes to see it grow in the future.

“It was good for their first run,” Vogel said.

After the toys were dropped off, Chuck Jay, general manager of Bikes Built Better, invited motorcyclists to the store for warm drinks, hot dogs and chili. Since the shop is located just a few blocks from the Toys for Tots distribution center, the location was perfect.

Jay helped to promote the event and encouraged 15 of the store’s customers to participate.

“I was very pleased to be a part of it,” he said, adding that next year’s ride will be bigger and better.

In 2016, the local Toys for Tots chapter fulfilled Christmas gift requests from approximately 1,300 families. So far this season, Vogel said he has received more than 300 requests.

Gifts for boys and girls ages 11 to 13 are generally tough to come by, according to Vogel. Makeup and jewelry sets, crafts and perfume work well for girls that age, while remote-controlled cars, board games and cologne are popular with boys of that age. Headphones, board games and electronics are popular with older boys and girls as well.

In addition to toy donations, Vogel said the most beneficial gift is the help of volunteers. To sign up to lend a hand, visit the Website at: https://glenside-pa.toysfortots.org/local-coordinator-sites/lco-sites/local-volunteer-form.aspx.

How you can help

Donations of new, unwrapped toys for kids up to age 13 can be dropped off at 103-109 Gibraltar Road, suite 109. To learn more about the Glenside Toys for Tots chapter or its coverage area, visit http://glenside-pa.toysfortots.org/local-coordinator-sites/lco-sites/default.aspx.