As of right now we do not have a planned ride this is just information!
It’s Toy Run time in Ellis County, with this year’s event slated for Dec. 10.
It all began 22 years ago with a few loyal riders and fewer spectators. The event has grown every year since. Last year there were over 3,000 motorcyclists participating in the parade and run and this year organizers expect even more.
For those who have never been to a Toy Run, it’s a sight to remember. The public is invited to come see the magic this year. The parade starts in downtown Midlothian and runs on 287 to the Sokol Hall in Ennis.
This year the riders will be going through downtown Ennis as they have in most prior years. Last year, at the last moment, the riders were routed around Ennis on the bypass due to construction. Organizers are spreading the word to Ennis residents that they will be back again this year.
The Ellis County Toy Run benefits many organizations in Ellis County. At Sokol Hall the toys are given to families selected by Ellis County Human Resources by invitation only. All of the additional toys are given to local Head Starts, Churches, Police, Fire, and Ambulance organizations.
The collected canned goods are distributed to local food banks. The money collected always goes to local Senior Citizens’ Centers alternating between Midlothian, Waxahachie, and Ennis every two years. This year the recipient is the Midlothian Senior Citizens Center.
Organizers stress that they could not sponsor the Toy Run without the help of local citizens, Midlothian, Waxahachie, and Ennis Police Departments and the Ellis County Sheriff’s Department.
Riders will begin gathering in downtown Midlothian around 9 a.m on Sunday, Dec. 10. Attendees will enjoy coffee and donuts provided by Midlothian Donuts and Caroline’s Café and the space and electricity is provided by Dee Tee’s. All of these sponsors have been with the Toy Run since the beginning.
The parade will leave downtown Midlothian at 11 a.m. Once at the Sokol Hall in Ennis, the crowd will enjoy hot dogs and drinks while they last. The Midlothian, Waxahachie, and Ennis Senior Citizens run the kitchen and organizers say they are a great help to the success of the Ellis County Toy Run. After the children have selected their toys and have gone home, a live band, “Soul Doubt,” will perform beginning around 1 p.m.
To participate in this year’s event, bring a new unwrapped toy for children between the ages of 3 and 13, and $5 per person. Canned goods are also accepted for the food banks.
All bikes and all citizens are invited to attend.
For more information, call Gryphon Motorcycle club members Doug Clark at 972-723-3157; Bob Gerlich at 469-337-1028; or Leigh Floyd at 972-775-4230