Starting on a cold Chicago winter day in December 1978, a group of six friends lead by a Vietnam Veteran, jumped on their motorcycles to deliver presents to needy children.
Little did they know that the kindness in their hearts, would become one of the biggest charitable traditions in Chicago. For Twenty-eight years, Chicagoland motorcyclists have joined forces with the United States Marines, to assist their Toys for Tots program. What started among friends has grown into the It is held on the first Sunday in December...rain, snow, or shine. There is only one rule to participate: You must bring a toy and deliver it on a motorcycle What unifies the thousands of volunteers is their heart felt mission to place a new toy in the hands of a child.
Riding participants should arrive at The Dan Ryan Woods with two things; a toy, and a motorcycle to ride. Non-riders can participate by bringing toys to The Woods, the Marine Corps Reserve Center, or anywhere on Western Avenue, along The Parade route
The majority of the toys are given to the Marine Corps Reserve and they distribute them. The rest are delivered, by the riders who organize The Parade, to dozens of hospitals, orphanages, schools, and even private homes, wherever the need is the greatest.
