Motorcyclists ride to raise funds for 'Toys for Tots' in Brunswick

TROY, N.Y. (NEWS10) - The Brunswick Harley Owners Group (HOG) held its 24th annual Toys for Tots Benefit Ride on Sunday, October 20. The goal of the event is to raise funds and gather toys for the Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program.

Registration for the fundraiser began at 9 a.m. at Brunswick Harley Davidson, 1130 Hoosick Rd., Troy. The 26-mile ride was guided by a parade of bikes with a police escort that took place at noon. The parade traveled down routes 7 and 142, through Lansingburgh, Waterford, Crescent, Halfmoon, and Niskayuna, and ended up at the Shop Rite Plaza at Nott St and Balltown Road in Niskayuna.

The director of HOG, Thomas Hall, said they plan to raise over $10,000 during the event. In past years, the ride produced an overwhelming biker response, which has resulted in as many as 900 bikes participating in the event. In 2023, the parade was several long. In addition to donating a bundle of toys, the event has raised as much as $13,000 for this program.

"They hope to give out over 600,000 toys. like they did last year for the over 400,00 children," Hall said. "That's a lot of people and a lot of kids who would have nothing if it weren't for this program. Christmas day would come, and they would have nothing there for them."

The price of admission to this event was one unwrapped new toy or $20 per person. Toys for older children were particularly needed. A post-ride gathering took place at Tequilas Bar and Grill, Nott St., Niskayuna.

To make a donation or find out how to give a gift, visit the Toys for Tots website.