Nearly $3K raised at annual toy run

[totalmotorcycle]

Nearly $3K raised at annual toy run
Friday, December 8, 2006 - By: Eric Montgomery, Editor - Clinton Recorder - zwire.com/



The Social Services Department relies on the generosity of private and business donations to provide food, clothes, toys and heating assistants. One such resident makes donating a big annual event with little fanfare. Driftwood proprietor Tim Ryan is the man behind the "Toy Run" - a motorcycle ride, now in its seventh year. On Nov. 19, Ryan and 200 of his fellow bikers went on a 25 mile run which raised $2,600 and more than 1,000 toys to donate to social services.
"The day the bikes were here, you couldn't get into town," Social Services Director, for more than 25 years, Anne Schmid said. "The smells were good and I got some hugs that were interesting. Bikers, bike riders, are pretty swift and have the biggest hearts ever. Maybe ridding, they see more or are exposed to the need. (Tim) doesn't make a big deal out of it. He's a giving man. Part of it is so people can keep their dignity. Tim's a good guy and I am so thrilled we have it for the children. The police, fire department and paramedics are also wonderful. If you have a need, they respond. If it wasn't for them you wouldn't see smiles on the faces of kids getting a toy when dad's out of work."
The number of 300 families which are in need has grown by more than 75 this year.
"The town of Clinton has always responded to the less fortunate. They always have," Schmid said. "And it seems that the people who help are also struggling. It's very uplifting. I have about 250 turkeys thanks to our sponsors. At my pantry, every once and a while gets low. I tell people to wait. It'll get food. We receive more than they give."
The toys which the bikers donated will be lined up at the Town Hall's Green Room. By number, parents pick them up. Ryan also has a Special Olympics run in the spring and a Shoreline Cancer Relief Run in the summer.
"There's always a need for it. Everyone on a bike had a nice Sunday afternoon," Ryan said. "We went to June's Outback and came back to the Driftwood for a BBQ. People around here donate more than you'd expect."
The Police Department also has a 'Toys for Tots" program. Programs like Helping Hands and Salvation Army work hard year round, but make a concerted effort to make being in need during the holidays easier. Applications for Medicaid, food stamps, Saga, Husky, ConnPace, energy or heat assistance, the Soldiers, Sailors and Marine Fund, the Muer Fund (for seniors over 70), CL&P's Nu-Start program and Southern New England Gas Company's forgiveness program can all be initiated through Schmid's office across the street from Town Hall. The town doesn't pay for the food, clothes and toys, but rather donations come into the program like Adopt-A-Family promoted by Dr. Andy and Nancy Berliner where, along with the help of the Clinton Stop & Shop, provide turkey dinners for families in need. Other food is provided by stores like Clinton Paint and area churches along with the Lion's Club. Pepperidge Farm donates bread.
"They don't have to do it," she said. "It does elevate the way you look at them."
Their work makes things easier for Schmid and the food pantry which is currently full.
"Everything that goes on here is good. They (the people who are in need) feel safe when they come in here. They can just take a bag (of food) by the door. It's all donated."