So you forgot to grab a Run Pin or Run T-shirt. No problem. Navigate to the Contacts page and click to send Mike a email. He will reply with the procedure to order a Pin and/or Shirt.
Indeed, toys are the foundation of any toy run. This run has grown to what some call the largest toy run in the world. Not sure about that, but what we are sure about is that raising funds is equally as important as collecting toys. There are costs associated with the Toy Run. The Big Texas Toy Run is able to happen yearly thanks to it's participants. Our participants ARE our sponsors. Fortunately, we are able to negotiate a lower amount for certain costs the Toy Run faces. All funds raised are turned over the day of the Toy Run to MHMR of Tarrant County and MetroCare Services of Dallas.
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.
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.
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.
Information regarding The 2011 Big Texas Toy Run.
The Big Texas Toy Run will be held on Sunday, December 18th, 2011.
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Use the TBTTR map to choose a starting locations.