The annual Polk County Toy Run, a motorcycle ride that gathers toys and raises money to help needy families in the area, will take place on Saturday, Nov. 24.

Barry Gee is the director of the Polk County Toy Run and is a member of the Christian Motorcyclists Association. He along with his dedicated committee have organized and hosted the Toy Run the Saturday after Thanksgiving for the past six years.

Gee and Toy Run organizers invite the public to come out and watch the event at any of the locations mentioned below.  Don’t forget to bring the kids to see Santa and the motorcycles.

The Toy Run will start at the Saluda Fire Department at 11 a.m. where Toy Run motorcyclists will first enjoy a barbecue lunch, DJ music and free give-aways before beginning their parade trek through Polk County. At 2 p.m. Santa and a truck full of toys, along with a line of motorcycles loaded with additional toys, will pull out of the Saluda Fire Department to begin the parade. The parade will arrive in Tryon at 2:15 p.m. and will pass through Landrum at 2:30 p.m. Motorcyclists will pass through Green Greek and Mill Spring and will arrive at their final destination at the Polk County Courthouse in Columbus, North Carolina at 3 p.m.

“The purpose of the Toy Run is to provide Christmas joy to needy Polk County children. Without the generosity of the Toy Run, these children would not have Christmas gifts. We are incredibly thankful to the sponsors and the many individuals who participate by giving their time and gifts to see that each child has a very special Christmas,” said Carol Newton, executive director of Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry.

Toy collection boxes are located at Dollar General stores and local banks throughout Polk County for those wishing to drop off their special gifts for children in need.

All proceeds from the Toy Run will be divided and donated to Thermal Belt Outreach Ministry, Polk County Department of Social Services, Steps to HOPE and the Polk County Sheriff’s Department.

– article submitted by Wendy Thomas