Bikers motor on behalf of children

AUSTIN (KXAN) - Motorcyclists rumbled through the streets of Austin on Sunday, but it was all in the name of charity.

Their bikes were loaded with toys, gifts and one big red Santa Claus. It was all part of the 23rd annual Austin Motorcyclist Toy Run for abused and neglected foster children. The event has grown so much that the group must use a trailer to move all the presents, gifts that will last long past the holidays.

"This is important to us because we use these toys throughout the year for birthdays and other events and milestones they might reach," said Cynthia Shaw of Helping Hand Home for Children. "We store them and put them to very good use throughout the year."

The Toy Run was founded by Dan "Big Dan" Simmons of the Austin Area Motorcyclists in 1988 and is now in its 23rd year. A plaque in memory of "Big Dan" is in the courtyard at Helping Hand Home and his wife Teresa is still involved each year. 

Following the annual toy run, the festivities continued at Sam's Town Point in Austin with a raffle, barbeque and live music.