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By Kathleen Griffiths, Cadet
Roughly 18,000 bikers rode into Olympia, Wash., Dec. 3 laden with toys and cash donations to help Majors Bill and Joy Lum, corps officers of the Olympia Corps, fill the Toy and Joy warehouse for the 34th Annual Toy Run.
The first run occurred in 1977 with a group of 25 bikers. With 18,000 participating bikers this year, the event is expected to exceed last year’s total of $230,000 donated in toys and cash.
Joe “Santa” Sullivan, founder of the event, rode on his decorated “sleigh;” many bikers had put time and care into decorating their rides.
As bikers passed through the drop-off site for two hours, 67 volunteers helped collect the gifts. Four trucks were filled with toys, which are now being prepared to give away to families in the community in need of Christmas assistance.
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