PHOTOS: 2017 Highway Hikers Toy Run
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The intent is to have new toys for the Salvation Army to distribute to more than 2,000 Clark County children to open on Christmas morning.
Upon arriving, the riders presented their offerings to Salvation Army representatives, many clad in Santa and elf caps. One large biker with a wide smile presented a huge stuffed teddy bear.
“These people are driven by love and compassion,” said Ryan Ray, Salvation Army of Clark County development manager who has worked on 11 toy runs. “This is a lot of detail and work but worth it all. It’s the unity of coming together in a display of love.”
The number of riders was down, likely due to weather concerns as windy conditions and overcast skies with a threat of rain hovered. Fortunately the rain held off until all the goodies were collected.
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Participants rode in from all over Ohio and surrounding states but probably traveling the farthest was Doc, also known as Jeff Mullins of Corpus Christi, Texas. His dad, a retired military member, is in health care in Enon and Doc spent four days here at the invitation of the Highway Hikers.
Although dealing with damage to his home from the recent hurricanes, it was hard to keep him away.
“It shows bikers in a different light,” Mullins said. “There’s a lot of unity with us. The Highway Hikers welcomed me like a brother.”
He’d like to return for future toy runs.
Barry Johnson, who just got his first Harley, was accepted by the Hikers and was eager to join the toy run.
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He’d experienced health issues and also appreciated the support the group is giving his brother, who is undergoing a heart transplant.
“They’re doing some great things for the community,” Johnson said.
One of the organizers said he hopes the number of riders grows next year for its 40th anniversary.
The toy run can bring in $30,000 to 40,000 in toys and as much as $10,000 in cash donations.
The Salvation Army’s Christmas toy and food sign up will be Oct. 23 to 27. For more information, go to http://swo.salvationarmy.org/springfield-oh.
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