Bikers collect toys for needy children

Hundreds of bikers hit the roadways Sunday, toys in tote, to help boys and girls in Central Texas have a merry Christmas this year and they weren’t alone.

Every year, bikers across the state of Texas ride together bringing gifts to children at the Helping Hand Home for Children who have suffered abuse and neglect. Organizers told KXAN Austin News their goal is to provide a safe and loving environment for children to gain a sense of trust and hope for the future.

Toy Run, founded by Dan Simmons (Big Dan), of the Austin Area Motorcyclists has grown over the 22 years since it began in 1988. The event is so big now that participants use a trailer to transport most of the gifts.

Toys collected will go to needy children at the 117-year-old Helping Hand Home for Children which provides residential treatment services, foster care, adoption services, and a charter school for severely abused and neglected children.

KXAN Austin News' Jim Spencer is a member of the Community Advisory Board of Helping Hand Home for Children.