The Long Tradition of Toy Runs

Every winter, as holiday shopping begins and the decorations start being hung, motorcyclists across the country fire up their engines for one of the most heartfelt traditions in the riding community: the annual holiday toy run. What began decades ago as small local charity rides has evolved into a nationwide movement—one that brings riders together not just for the love of the ride, but for the joy of giving back.

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What Exactly Is a Toy Run?

At their core, toy runs are organized charity rides where motorcyclists gather donated toys and deliver them—often in a massive, parade-style formation—to sick or underprivilidged children during the holiday season. Riders show up with bikes loaded down with stuffed animals, board games, dolls, sports equipment, and anything else that can help make a kid’s Christmas morning just a little brighter.

Some toy runs are simple, single-day events hosted by local clubs; others are large-scale productions backed by nonprofits, dealerships, or community organizations. And while each varies in size, the mission is universal: support children and families who could use an extra dose of joy this time of year.

A Brief History: Where It All Started

When it comes to pinpointing the oldest motorcycle toy run in the U.S., things get a little tricky. Several rides claim the title, but none of those claims can be fully verified through public records. Undocumented grassroots runs sparked the movement long before it was recorded.

What can be stated with confidence is that the Smoky Mountain Toy Run in Asheville, North Carolina held its 45th annual ride on November 1, 2025, tracing its roots back to 1981 when founder Jerry Slagle and 11 of his riding buddies set out to change public perceptions of motorcyclists through community giving. 

Other long-running toy runs also contribute to this rich history. In El Paso, the Toy Run Parade Motorcycle Coalition, hosted by Barnett Harley-Davidson, celebrated its 43rd annual event in early November of this year, continuing a decades-long legacy of rider-led holiday giving. Meanwhile, on the West Coast, the Modified Motorcycle Association of California (MMA) Toy Run remains another notable long running ride, with this year’s ride taking place on December 7th and drawing riders from across the region.

Together, these events—large and small, well-documented or passed down through local lore—show just how deep the roots of toy run culture truly go.

Today, some toy runs have grown into massive spectacles attracting thousands of riders. For example, the Bakersfield Toy Run in California has historically drawn huge crowds, while Toys for Tots motorcycle runs across the nation continue to be one of the most recognizable and impactful efforts. 

It’s not just about participation either; the volume of donations from these events can be astonishing. Large toy runs can deliver tens of thousands of toys in a single day, filling trailers, box trucks, and entire warehouse spaces with gifts that will be distributed to local children.

Why Toy Runs Matter

Motorcyclists have always looked out for one another, but toy runs highlight just how deeply generosity runs in the riding community. These events make a real impact during the holidays, supporting families who may be facing financial challenges by delivering toys to hospitals, shelters, youth centers, and local nonprofits. They also help reshape public perception by showing that behind the leather and loud pipes is a community defined by compassion, camaraderie, and service.

Toy runs bring riders together for one of the season’s final big gatherings, offering a chance to share the road, celebrate the spirit of giving, and ride with purpose. At the same time, they strengthen ties within the broader community, building connections between riders, local charities, first responders, and area businesses. In every way, toy runs reinforce what motorcycling has always been about: showing up for others and being part of something bigger than yourself.

How to Get Locally Involved

If you’ve never participated in a toy run, this year is the perfect time to join in. Getting involved is easy, and most events welcome riders of all experience levels and all bike types.

Search for Nearby Rides: Local motorcycle dealerships, clubs, nonprofit organizations, fire stations and even police departments often host toy runs. Check your local event pages, club community boards, or social media groups where riders gather.

Review Event Requirements: Most toy runs ask riders to bring one unwrapped toy and sometimes require pre-registration or a small entry fee that goes toward the partnered charity.

Prep Your Bike for the Ride: Toy runs are high-visibility events, and bikes are often decorated in full holiday spirit. If you want to join in the fun, consider adding lights, garland, or seasonal accessories. Just make sure everything is secure and safe for the ride.

Invite Friends and Riding Groups: Toy runs are even better with company. Bring a passenger, gather your riding buddies, or organize a group ride to the event.

How to Start a Toy Run If Your Community Doesn’t Have One:

If there’s no toy run near you, you can start one—many of the country’s longest-running rides began with just a few riders and a simple idea to give back.

Start Small: You don’t need a huge turnout to make an impact. Start with a clear goal: gather toys and deliver them to a local organization that supports kids during the holidays.

Partner with a Charity: Reach out to a children’s hospital, shelter, family nonprofit, or Toys for Tots chapter. Ask what donations they need and coordinate a drop-off plan.

Choose a Meeting Spot Route: A dealership or community parking lot works great as a starting point. Keep the ride short and safe, and loop in local law enforcement if needed.

Get the Word Out: Share the event on local rider groups, social media, and at nearby shops. Dealerships often love supporting community-driven rides.

Communicate clearly: Let riders know what to bring and when to show up. A few volunteers can help with staging and safety.

Remember, even a small, first-time event can grow into a beloved tradition—every major toy run started with one rider deciding to make a difference.

Keeping a Tradition Alive

Toy runs are a festive celebration of what makes the motorcycling community special. Riders come together not for recognition, but because giving back is simply part of who we are. Whether you’re a first-time participant or a longtime supporter, toy runs offer a chance to make the holidays a little brighter for kids in your community while honoring a decades-long riding tradition.

This season, consider joining the thousands of riders who gear up, bundle up, and give back. The roads may be cold, but the spirit behind every toy run remains warm as ever.