By Alyssa Ramsfield
The synchronized sound of engines revving up to deliver holiday toys deafens the ears of onlookers. This familiar sound is the kick off to the annual Olympia Toy Run. Swarms of motorcycles hit the streets with gifts in tow to give to children in need during the holiday season. Some bikers adorn their club logo while others dress as Jolly Old St. Nick with a matching Rudolph bike. No matter the costume or decoration, the goal is the same – make Christmas bright for those in need.
“In the beginning, it was looked at as just a bunch of bikers riding through town,” explains Olympia Toy Run Coalition Member, Diana Olmstead. “No one realized our significance and how many people we have helped through the run.”
The Olympia Toy Run brings out thousands of avid riders with precious cargo of toys to give to needy children. “In a matter of hours, we can help hundreds of families make Christmas stress-free,” describes Olmstead. “Going through a difficult time is usually temporary. I’ve been through these times. Really, we’ve all been through a rough patch. It’s just a part of life. These people really deserve the help. Who doesn’t want a child to have a couple of gifts to open on Christmas morning? It’s the season of giving and everything we do is for those kids.”
Getting involved in an incredible tradition of generosity was an easy task for Olmstead. “I’ve done the run for 25 years. For me, it started as a writer at Quick Throttle Magazine. A friend of mine mentioned the run, I did it that year and was blown away by the spirit and generosity of these bikers. I made a commitment to do it every year after that. I went to my publisher with my experience and it just built from there. Overtime, I naturally joined the coalition to help with the event.”
One of the inspirations and original founders of the toy run is Santa Joe. “Santa Joe is the reason I got involved putting the event on each year,” says Olmstead. “He’s a hero to both people that ride and those that don’t. Joe and the Toy Run have become a family tradition for thousands of local people. For me, he’s the kind of man who makes you a better person for knowing him.”
“Joe instills in people old school values of thinking about ‘we’ instead of ‘I,'” continues Olmstead. “He reminds me of what is important in life. Joe gives so much back to our community. He is the real Santa Claus.”
Volunteers work tirelessly so that children wake up to gifts on Christmas morning. “100% of the donations go directly to the Salvation Army Toy n’ Joy Shop,” explains Olmstead. “Sponsors cover the cost of putting it all together. We work year round, as volunteers, with law enforcement and city officials to create a smooth ride. We have stayed true to the original founders of the event including Santa Joe. Everyone who participates rides a motorcycle and wants to help children during the holidays.”
While motorcyclists are the main participants, there are plenty of other ways to show your support. “Our community has really seen the bigger picture and backed the event,” states Olmstead. “These children would go without if it wasn’t for the first Saturday of December. It is incredible to see families make the ride a tradition as spectators. Seeing them on the sidewalks bundled up and waving as we pass by is so inspiring. Their donation of new toys and support is what keeps this amazing event going.”
“If you look beyond the black leather you will see the most generous hearts,” describes Olmstead. “We talk a lot about the essence of Christmas and have determined it is giving. That’s what it is all about. It is absolutely magical to be a part of the Christmas spirit in our community.”
The 37th Annual Olympia Toy Run begins at 10:00 a.m., on December 6 in the parking lot of South Sound Center in Lacey. Performers and vendors will be on hand before motors begin running at 1:00 p.m. The ride route weaves through the streets of Lacey and Olympia, ending in Marathon Park.
If you would like to donate a new toy for the event, check out the available drop sites.
