Motorcyclists lined up Sunday with toys strapped to their bikes and smiles on their faces for the annual Muskogee ABATE and American Legion Riders Post 15 Toy Run.

Some riders did a bit of last-minute shopping in Curt's Center, picking up Barbie dolls, toy motorcycles and other toys to donate to the Shriner's Hospitals.

Sterling and Brenda Nichols of Wagoner, in leather chaps and matching Harley-Davidson jackets, browsed the toy section at Big Lots beforehand.

“We figure if we don't, then some kid won't have a toy,” he said.

Just in line behind the Nicholses, Alicia and Charles Hughes of Muskogee also picked up extra toys.

“We're just doing it to support them,” Alica said. “We're doing it every year; it's for a good cause.”

Some toys are sent with children who are being transported to a hospital, some are given to locally hospitalized children, said Jim Ritchey, hospital chairman.

“When it comes to the Shrine,” said Chief Rabban Paul Center, “the bottom line is that it's all for the children.”

Several local motorcycle groups joined the event, including Rolling Thunder, CMA, ABATE and BACA.

In Curt's parking lot, hundreds of motorcycles lined up in preparation for the cruise through Muskogee, escorted by a fire truck and police auxiliary unit.

Some strapped giant teddy bears to their jump seats, while others strapped boxes of toys to every conceivable spot on the bike.

Several Santa Clauses — including a doggy version — and elves rode bikes too.

The convoy drove up York Street at 1 p.m. and through town to the American Legion Post 15 on Broadway.

Once they arrived, the riders loaded their arms with toys and placed them all inside the Legion, on a stage that quickly became piled high with goodies.

“Santa's helpers have arrived,” announced Ellen Ward of Sand Springs.

She, a friend and her tiny dog Kenyon rode in the convoy.

Ward dressed as an elf, complete with brightly colored tights and giant pointy ears, and delivered a sack full of toys.

“We appreciate all the donations,” Ritchey said. “They all go to a good cause.”

Once the toys were delivered, riders enjoyed hot dogs, chili and door prizes provided by the American Legion for the event.



You can help

To donate toys to the Shriner's Hospitals, contact Jim Ritchey at 682-2761 or drop them off at the Bedouin Shrine Temple at 201 S. Sixth St., Muskogee.

All toys need to be new, packaged, toys with no gift wrapping.

Donations are accepted from 8 a.m. until noon Tuesday through Thursday at the American Legion Post 15, 4021 W. Broadway.