So you forgot to grab a Run Pin or Run T-shirt. No problem. Navigate to the Contacts page and click to send Carol a email. She will reply with the procedure to order a Pin and/or Shirt.
The toys collected on the day of the Toy Run are immediately loaded on trucks and sent to MHMR of Ft. Worth and Metrocare of Dallas. The monies collected are counted and all proceeds are distributed equally to our charities as well. They distribute the toys to the thousands of children they serve in their many service areas. The funds donated are strictly designated for recreational and educational activities and must be spent during the following calendar year.
Please check THE MAP for form-up locations.
Each organization is asked to provide fifteen children to actually meet Santa. They are asked to supply us with a "wish list" for the kids. This saves work for Santa.
Santa. The Toy Run has many business and group supporters, but there are no official sponsors. Most of the toys and money come from individuals.
For many years a committee of Bikers has run this event. In 2000, due to the increasing sizeof the event, that group decided to "make it official", The Tarrant/Dallas County Toy Run was formed as a 501-3C Charitable Organization. The Board has four members and is assisted by three executive staff and three Board Assistants. All of them are volunteers and work throughout the year.
Because that's the way Santa works. The gifts must arrive on time. Many people do ride despite the weather. In fact, in 1995 there was a sleet storm and nearly 8,000 bikes still rode. We do, however, ask participants unwilling to ride to bring their donations anyway and join in the festivities inside the Convention Center. Our kids still need your help.
It was determined long ago that only vendors providing services such as food and drinks would be allowed. The thought was to keep the event focused on the kids we serve. There are exceptions for those donating supporters wishing to exhibit only (No Sales.) NO vendors are allowed at the final location.
The organizations with which we are aligned offer a multitude of services. Among these are Drug and Alcohol programs. Out of respect for our associates and because this is an event for the benefit of our kids, not a party, we do not facilitate alcohol consumption at the event. Outside organizations may, and do, independently sponsor festivities after the event.
The toys are distributed by the charities we serve and are therefore distributed to the people within their programs. You may contact those agencies if you feel you may qualify.
The list on the back of the shirts consists of contributors recognized by the Board as having given large donations of money or time to the event. The Arm (Started in 2006) is designated for those wishing to underwrite the purchase of the t-shirts. In the event there is no underwriting, the board chooses a worthy long term contributor.
There are many ways you can help. You can organize events throughout the year to benefit the Toy Run. You can volunteer to help on the day of the event. You can help promote the event in your every day life, at work, in establishments and within your clubs, churches and even your family. Mostly you can donate generously and attend and participate in the run.
Many of the kids there are sufficiently challenged or just too young to understand more than one Santa. Even the Santas leading two of the parades change before entering. The REAL Santa is there, no need for imposters.
YES! We have riders mounting everything from mo-peds to full-dress choppers. This event welcomes all riders and is focused on the unity of one purpose... Helping Our Kids.
KDAF news report on The 2009 Big Texas Toy Run.
Three part video of TBTTR on YouTube by Exequiel
Use the TBTTR map to choose a starting locations.