Motorcyclists bring Christmas to Wichita during annual toy run

Santa and his reindeer brought Christmas to the Wichita area this weekend — just not on a sleigh.

The rumbling of about 2,000 motorcycles at Lawrence-Dumont Stadium signaled the start of the 38th annual Wichita Toy Run, “a bikers tradition.”

Cyclists in possession of thousands of unwrapped toys paraded to Hartman Arena on Sunday with officers and sheriffs as their escorts and with a cycling Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus as their leaders.

For nearly an hour after their 13-mile trip down Broadway, you could hear a steady rumble outside the arena as motorcyclists dropped off their toy donations and warmed up with chili, cornbread and hot cocoa.

No toy was too big or too small. From tricycles to toy tractors to teddy bears triple the size of a toddler, toys lined the wall of Hartman Arena as motorcycling Santa gave away raffle prizes and as marines shook the hands of cyclists.

Peter Hiser, 10, was assisting the Marines and volunteers by collecting toys that will soon be given to children who may have not had a Christmas this year. In doing so, he got to show Santa what he wants for Christmas this year — “a really big, stuffed toy,” he exclaimed as he pointed to a big, brown teddy bear in a pile of thousands of toys.

The toys will be sorted and split between the Salvation Army Angel Tree and the Marines’ Toy for Tots Christmas programs within Sedgwick County.

“It means a lot for us to support low-income people who need Christmas help,” said Marine Gunnery Sergeant Adam Santiago. “We really appreciate all this support of people willing to give back and help these families.”

Last year, thanks to the help of the Wichita Toy Run, the Marines helped more than 14,000 families in Sedgwick County.

“We are very appreciative of all the motorcycle riders who participate,” said major Joseph Wheeler, Wichita’s city commander with the Salvation Army. “They bring not only toys, but cash to help us during this very busy time.”

The Salvation Army will begin sorting toys Dec. 1, and they will distribute toys beginning Dec. 14.

“Someone is going to have a very, merry Christmas because of the generosity of those who live in our community,” Wheeler said.

To learn more about the Wichita Toy Run, visit http://www.wichitatoyrun.com.

This story was originally published November 5, 2017 at 4:17 PM with the headline "Motorcyclists bring Christmas to Wichita during annual toy run."