Chicago’s Toys for Tots Motorcycle Parade Gathers Thousands of Toys for Kids in Need
A Labor of Love for the Holiday Season
Thousands of bikes were decorated for the holiday season Sunday, and even Santa had his own Harley-made sleigh for the 47th annual Toys for Tots Motorcycle Parade in Chicago.
The Event’s Humble Beginnings
The motorcycle parade’s maiden voyage wasn’t without its hiccups. Animal, a marine who started the event in 1978, unsuccessfully tried to borrow one bike, only to borrow another motorcycle and have the chain break on the way to the Glenview Naval Air Station. Animal and another biker ended up being towed the rest of the way to Glenview to complete the parade, but another 50 bikers joined him and the original founders the following year and the event has steadily grown over the decades.
A Tradition of Giving
47 years later, it’s become a proud tradition, collecting tens of thousands of new toys for kids across the Chicago area during the holiday season. “It’s all about the kids,” said Brian Kosinski, one of the main organizers behind the Toys for Tots Motorcycle Parade. “The marine corps started to do it first and then we started to do it. It was a marine who started it in 1978 and we’ve been doing it ever since.”
This Year’s Drive
This year’s drive wasn’t the largest in event history, but that didn’t stop upwards of 7,000 bikers and around 300 volunteers from coming out to lend a hand and get gifts to kids in need. “Last year we did 40,000 families so, hopefully this year we’ll get the same … if not more,” said Maynard Marsh, another organizer of the Toys for Tots Motorcycle Parade.
A Part of the Community
A labor of love for the many who braved the cold and kept a tradition of giving alive, the parade rumbled from the Dan Ryan Woods to DePaul College Prep on Western Avenue 15 miles north. “If we weren’t here, the motorcycles will show up and do the run with or without us so, we’re just here to make sure everyone makes it safe,” Kosinski said.
A Special Giveaway
As a part of the events surrounding the parade, Disparti Law is giving away a motorcycle to help benefit Toys for Tots. The link to the giveaway can be found here: https://disparti.club/register/motorcycle.php
Conclusion
The Toys for Tots Motorcycle Parade is a testament to the power of community and the joy of giving. Despite the challenges, the event continues to grow and bring joy to thousands of children across the Chicago area.
FAQs
Q: How long has the Toys for Tots Motorcycle Parade been running?
A: The event has been running for 47 years, starting in 1978.
Q: How many bikers and volunteers participated in this year’s event?
A: Upwards of 7,000 bikers and around 300 volunteers participated in this year’s event.
Q: How many families did the event help last year?
A: The event helped 40,000 families last year.
Q: How can I get involved or donate to the event?
A: You can find more information on the event’s website or by contacting the organizers directly.
