DAVENPORT, Iowa — The 37th annual Toys for Tots Motorcycle Ride drove Sunday, Oct. 3 through the streets of Davenport, with hundreds of people coming together to ride for a good cause.
The annual ride was held by the A.B.A.T.E. of Iowa's 15th District to gather donations for the Marine's Toys for Tots. Each motorcycle had at least one toy strapped to it that would be donated for a child to open on Christmas.
"I'm sure you remember when you were younger," said Keith Nims, the 15th District coordinator. "That's one of the highlights of Christmas time, being able to have something under the tree."
Rider Jose Cerda has been with the Patriot Guard Riders for 10 years and has been coming to the Toys for Tots ride for almost just as long. For the last five years, Cerda's dressed up as Santa Claus to help get people into the holiday spirit.
"It's all about the children," said Cerda. "Sometimes, families run into a tough time, and they don't have presents for the children. It's always going to be about the children."
Riders were able to pick out whatever toy they wanted to donate. Some included scooters, dolls and board games. The only toy off limits was stuffed animals due to potential allergies. Cerda rode with a basketball hoop on the back of his motorcycle.
Doug Miller is another long-time participant. He was also in the marines. For him the ride is a chance to give back and spend time with friends and family.
"A lot of these clubs, they do this all year round, not just for Toys for Tots," Miller said. "Cancer, veterans, you name it. They're ready to ride and ready to donate."
The ride, each year, was held on the first Sunday in October and kicks off the season of giving for Toys for Tots. Nims wasn't sure how many toys they'd collected Sunday, but said it would be a lot. Many of the riders came with multiple toys to donate.
Nims added he's glad they were able to help give back to the community with such a fun tradition.
"Just seeing everybody get together and give to people to have a good Christmas," Nims said. "It's just fun ... Everybody's here for the same reason. Helping out the kids."
Click here to find a Toys for Tots drop off location.