Toy Run delivers come rain or come shine
Staff writer
Marion County Toy Run participants braced for a cold, wet drive from Marion to Hillsboro and delivered the goods Saturday as promised.
The run began, as usual, from Willie J’s 9th Lane, where participants gathered inside, out of steady rain, to talk about how the day’s trip would go.
With participants arriving in muddy and wet shoes, typical plans to take a load of bicycles, toys, food, and money to Vintage Bank in Hillsboro were changed.
Hillsboro resident Ryan Hefley hauled a trailer of 16 bicycles purchased with money raised for the project.
“The bikes are purchased, usually at Walmart, which gives a discount,” Hefley said.
Inside Willie J’s, participants stood in groups and sat at tables, some enjoying a cold beer before taking to the road.
Participants bought commemorative buttons, T-shirts, and sweatshirts. Those sales raised money for next year’s Toy Run.
Ultimately, donations help underprivileged children in and around Goessel, Hillsboro, Marion, and Peabody.
Gifts and money are given to ministerial alliances, Main Street Ministries, and community Christmas assistance programs.
Food is given to food banks.
Hefley has taken part in the Toy Run for many years and delivered bicycles for 10 years.
“It’s my way of giving back to the community,” he said.
When the show hit the road, the temperature was 56 degrees and the rain was unremitting.