Tulsa Bikers, Marines Gather Toys For Tots

Bikers with big hearts buzzed through the streets of Tulsa on Sunday loaded down with toys.

For the past week, the Tulsa-area U.S. Marine Corp's Toys for Tots has been in a holding period.

They've received thousands of toys, but that it's still not enough to meet the demand.

Organizers with the group -- A Brotherhood Aiming Toward Education (ABATE) -- said it has even had to turn some families away.

But after Sunday, that shouldn't be a problem.

"Look at all the people," biker Brian Ward said. "Look at how many people have come to give."

They came in droves and from every walk of life.

"They're from every area, from lawyers, doctors to someone who works in a shop," Ward said. "It's just good people, that's what Oklahoma's about.

As many as 10,000 bikers bundled up and saddled up with one thing in mind.

"The cause, the kids, what else, I mean… giving toys to kids that can't afford it or can't have it is the biggest blessing we can do," Ward said.

Fire trucks, board games, little pink dogs and even a decorated bicycle.

"If one person brings a gift, then it's just enormous for them because they're able to enjoy having something to open for Christmas," Candy Biggerstaf said.

This is the 33rd year for the ABATE Tulsa Toy Run.

All of the goodies collected will go to families who have fallen on hard times in Northeastern Oklahoma.

Organizers say the need has been great.

"Right now we've got around 25,000 toys, we're looking to raise close to 60,000 so we can meet what we have to give out," SSgt. Shane Irons said.

Among the mix, was even a special guest, Santa.

Who knew he used a Harley to pull his sleigh full of toys?

"This actually, once it gets up to speed, turns into reindeer magically," Toby Terry (Santa) said.

But in the end, these bikers say this day is what is magical.

And the bikers' hearts seem to be as soft as the stuffed animals they're dropping off.

"Bikers are wonderful, I'm telling you," Biggerstaf said. "They would do anything for anyone and no matter how bad it was, they're out there to help."

If you didn't make it on Sunday, you can still drop off new, unwrapped toys at any QuikTrip, Kum&Go or Toys-R-Us location.