“This is the area’s largest display of love,” Ray said. “There’s really nothing like it.
Motorcyclists from other states traveled to Clark County to participate in the 1 to 2 hour long ride from the VFW in New Carlisle to the Clark County Fairgrounds in Springfield last Sunday.
PHOTOS: 41st annual Highway Hikers Toy Run
The Highway Hikers, motorcycle group, exceeded their bike goal with 3,358 bikes. Last year, 2,842 bikes participated in the run.
“When you see these bikers with teddy bears and toys hanging off their handlebars it, is a really cool thing to see,” Ray said.
With the donations, over 2,000 children will receive three new toys, new clothing, stuffed animals, and stocking stuffers, Ray explained.
“We see parents come in and they are crying,” Ray said. “They’re relieved their kids will wake up Christmas morning to a lot of amazing toys because of what they (the Highway Hikers) do.”
RELATED: Over 3,000 bikes expected in 41st annual toy run
The Salvation Army could not provide as many Christmas gifts without the toy run.
“In their 41 years of doing these, I estimate the total money and toy value to be close to three quarters of a million dollars,” Ray said.
The Salvation Army was established in 1865 and supports those in need across the United States.
For more information, contact the Springfield Salvation Army at 937-322-3434.
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