The rumble heard in Catoosa County this Sunday means Santa Claus will be coming to town for many children in Catoosa County as hundreds of motorcyclists will take to the streets to benefit the Stocking Full of Love Toy Run.
What started more than 20 years ago when a few friends wanted to help needy children has grown to an event that draws as many as 1,500 motorcyclists together each December.
“We had 75 riders that first year,” said Catoosa County Sheriff’s Deputy Mike Gard, an original organizer of the ride. “In the beginning it was all Harleys, but that’s not the case now.”
Now riders come from as far away as Birmingham, Ala. and Cleveland, Tenn., on every kind of motorized two-wheeler – classics, custom choppers, show bikes, scooters and the occasional trike.
Gard said he and his wife, portraying Santa and Mrs. Claus, lead a motorcade that stretches for miles along Battlefield Parkway.
But while the number of bikers has changed, the Toy Run’s goal remains the same: to brighten the faces and lives of hundreds of this area’s less fortunate children during the Christmas season.
“It all goes to a good cause,” said Dave “Dr. Dave” Clemons, one of the organizers of this year’s event.
Riders are asked to bring unwrapped toys or make cash donations to provide for children between the age of toddler to 14.
“One of our main concerns is that everybody thinks of little kids and bring stuffed animals, but the older children shouldn’t be neglected,” Clemons said.
Cash donations are used to buy more age-appropriate items for tweens and teens, he said.
Last year, about 2,000 youngsters received presents due to the Toy Run, Gard said, and the list of applicants for assistance is expected to increase.
Today, Dec. 1, volunteers will begin gathering names of children who would benefit from this program from schools, civic organizations, churches and the local Division of Family and Children Services. Individuals needing assistance with Christmas should call either (706) 965-7138 or (706) 965-7139 for an appointment to determine specific needs, officials said.
Donated toys will be sorted, more toys will be purchased and the process of matching children to presents will continue over the next week at Battlefield Elementary School.
The day after the school begins its Christmas holiday, distribution of toys begins, Gard said. It is up to the parent or guardian to determine how the presents are delivered – it may be as a wrapped gift from a parent or it could just “appear” under the Christmas tree courtesy of Santa.
“It’s up to them,” Gard said. “For us, the whole thing is to ensure underprivileged kids get something at Christmas.”
Weather is a factor in the ride’s success – “we only had about 1,200 last year because it was so cold” – but Gard said the ride has been postponed only twice in 22 years.
Even with last year being a “down year,” he said that when the head of the line reached the Interstate 75 overpass in Ringgold riders at the tail were passing Lakeview-Fort Oglethorpe High School.
This Sunday’s forecast calls for sunny skies and high temperatures of about 53 degrees – perfect weather to set a rider record.
“That’s the way we like it,” Clemons said. “Riders as far as you can see and hear.”
SPIRIT OF THE SEASON
What: 23rd annual Stocking Full of Love Toy Run.
When: Sunday, Dec. 5, at 2 p.m. with a Dec. 12 rain date.
Where: 1503 Lafayette Road, the intersection of Lafayette and Cloud Springs roads, in front of Big Lots and Food Lion.
Cost: Donations of toys, cash or check for the Stocking Full of Love.
Anyone wishing to donate new toys can bring them, unwrapped, to the Catoosa County Sheriff’s Office, located just north of Ringgold on U.S. Highway 41, or contact Deputy Mike Gard at (706) 935-2424, ext. 1088 to have toys picked up at a residence or business.
Those unable to attend the ride can make cash donations at Gateway Bank locations in either Fort Oglethorpe or Ringgold by checks payable to the Catoosa County Stocking Full of Love or mailed to Stocking Full of Love, P.O. Box 909, Ringgold, Ga, 30736.
Individuals needing assistance with Christmas should call either (706) 965-7138 or (706) 965-7139 for an appointment.