By: Ryan Duey
Join the Clay Center Elks Lodge No 2253, AGI, American Legion Post 101, and the Clay Center Elks Riders No 2253 on Sunday, November 3rd, for their 18th annual Clay Center Toy Run to benefit families in need. The public is encouraged to meet at Gibson’s Ace Hardware at 11:00 a.m.
During the event attendees will receive a button from Santa Claus for 20% off toys at Gibson’s during the Toy Run. Kickstands will go up at 1:00 p.m. followed by a short ride throughout Clay Center. Tammy Taylor, Elks member, said this event has continued to grow.
“The American Legion started the Toy Run 18 years ago, and the Elks got involved approximately 12 years ago, helping them out with this, and it’s just grown ever since. The Toy Run is open to anyone; motorcycles, vehicles, anyone is welcome. Typically, we have the fire department and law enforcement escort us through Clay Center. Route maps will be posted on the Elks Lodge Facebook page. Between 1:00 and 1:30 we will loop through town, so we hope you’ll come out and enjoy the drive-by.”
Taylor wanted to emphasize that this is not solely a motorcycle run, as some may assume. Cars, trucks, and other vehicles can take part in the run around Clay Center. The goal is to gather as many community members as possible to make this a memorable event while helping those in need.
Taylor said along with Santa there may be another, not so nice character, at Gibson’s that day.
“We typically have Santa there and I do know he’ll be there ready to see kids or anybody else who wants to meet him. So, we may need some help this year because we’re hearing some nasty rumors that the Grinch is going to show up and try and steal our toys. So, we hope the public will come out and help us get rid of that ugly old Grinch.”
The American Legion will also have a booth set up at Gibson’s accepting donations to purchase more toys and the Elks will offer a free-will donation soup dinner to the public after the run. Donated toys will be distributed to families on December 1st.
Anyone who would like to donate, but can’t make it to Gibson’s that day can drop off toys at the Elks Lodge during their open hours. More information on the Toy Run and other charitable events can be found by visiting the Clay Center Elks Lodge Facebook page.
