Bikers fill ward with toys
The Southeast Alaska Panhandlers M/C hosted the 10th Annual Toy Run on Sunday, Sept. 19, once again filling the toy boxes on the pediatric ward of Bartlett Regional Hospital.
Working with the Douglas Volunteer Fire Department, bikers and their supporters came together to create a procession that was dominated by Harley-Davidsons, but included motorcycles of all makes and models. Each brought a stuffed animal or small toy to contribute to the program, and many who don't own a motorcycle participated. Each person who brought a toy or donated $10 cash was rewarded with the traditional meal of barbecue ribs and beans. Donations by local merchants helped round out the menu.
The Panhandlers M/C Toy Run concentrates on local children and those who must visit the hospital for illness or trauma. The effort to relieve some of the stress of a hospital visit was initiated when hospital administrator, Bob Valliant, approached the local motorcycle club and proposed the idea. The Panhandlers M/C coordinated the event with local fire departments to gather toys and host the barbecue.
The event has grown each year. This year, with the weather's co-operation, showed the largest group of bikes gathered so far at the Airport Mall. With more 100 bikes, the procession stretched more than a mile and a half as it made its way down Egan Drive towards town. The long line of bikes and riders wound through town to pick up toys at the Triangle Bar, before heading over the bridge to the Douglas Fire Hall. Horns honking and sirens blaring, participants were in great spirits as they arrived at their destination.
The Panhandlers M/C, with the help of Justin Poe, formerly of Pappy Poe's Pork Place, cooked more than 350 pounds of mouth-watering ribs. With bikes lined up and down the streets in Douglas, the chow line moved quickly as the toys were gathered from the hungry riders. By 5 p.m., close to 400 people had come together to make this year's Toy Run a success.
The toys were delivered to Bob Valliant at Bartlett on Sept. 23, along with a substantial cash donation.