The 400 riders that took part in the 30th annual Salvation Army Toy Run were greeted with sunshine Sunday and just a splash of rain to remind them of what might have been, said Len Hall, Prince George Harley Davidson shop owner.
"It was so great to see riders from Vanderhoof, Mackenzie and Quesnel join the local riders during the run," said Hall. "Without the sunshine we wouldn't have had all those out-of-town riders."
Although the rider numbers were down by about 90 from last year, said Barbara Croome, community ministries co-ordinator for the Salvation Army, history repeated itself. The same amount of toys and cash came in this year as last for children in need in Prince George. There are 550 toys ready for distribution including Lego, Tonka trucks, Barbie's, MP3 players, footballs, games, puzzles and books, plus stuffed animals.
"Every year we give children one or two toys each and we give each child a stuffed animal," said Croome. "The quality of gifts is amazing. Our community really provides well for the children."
Cash donations came to $3,073.
Toys and cash can still be donated at the Prince George Harley Davidson shop or at the Salvation Army. Volunteers are needed to distribute the toys the week before Christmas as well as serve dinners on special occasions like Thanksgiving and Christmas.
There are two programs ongoing at the Salvation Army during Christmas time including Christmas Cheer and Adopt a Family.
"It takes hundreds of volunteers to roll out Christmas at the Salvation Army so if people are interested in volunteering please call us at 250-564-4000," said Croome.
