Wheeling to give

[totalmotorcycle]

Wheeling to give
Gold Country Toy Run roars into Auburn with gifts for needy children
Monday, December 4, 2006 - By: Penne Usher, Journal Staff Writer - Auburn Journal - auburnjournal.com





The 11th annual Gold Country Toy Run got under way just at noon at Auburn Recreation District's Recreation Park, where more than 900 riders converged to bring toys to children in need.

"It's about bringing the kids Christmas," said Ed Easton, who started the toy run more than a decade ago along with Emma Lujan. "That's why we do this."

Easton and his wife, Shari Easton, acted as this year's official Santa and Mrs. Claus and led the pack of riders through the streets of Auburn, along Highway 49 and to the final destination of Regional Park.

As the one-mile-long chain of riders twisted through town, people lined the streets waving to the would-be elves on iron horses who carried stuffed teddy bears on handlebars and packaged toys strapped to the "saddle."

When the rumbling engines came to a stop, bikers dismounted, filing two-by-two into the gymnasium of the park to deliver their toys to waiting children.

For the children waiting patiently, it was about getting a little bit of Christmas cheer; for those on the run and providing the toys, it was all about the children.

"It's really all about the toys for the kids," said Glenn Pope of Yuba City, who brought a pair of night vision binoculars to donate.

"Most of the time on the runs the toys are just collected and we don't know where they go," said biker Dan Tash. "This ride is different. We'll get to watch the kids pick up their toys."

More than 300 children filled the gym and cheered as the bikers dropped off the toys.

Alena Voss, 9, of Auburn, waited patiently to visit with Santa and pick out her presents.

"The (riders) are nice because they want us to have a good Christmas," she said.

She planned to ask Santa for accessories for the American Girl Doll and some money so that she can return to Wolf Mountain summer camp.

Candice Pinn brought her two children, Chance Clements and Constance Grant, to enjoy the holiday cheer.

"It means a great deal," Pinn said. "I appreciate this. To have all these people come out and donate (toys) for the kids is just great."

Riders came from all over Placer County, Sacramento and outlying areas to share their Christmas spirit.

By 2 p.m. the multitude of motorcyclists began to don their gloves and hats, saddling up for the afternoon ride back home and to prepare for the next toy run.