Hundreds of motorcycles gathered at the Allen County Fairgrounds for this year’s A.B.A.T.E. of Ohio Toy Run.
For Roger Sexton playing Santa Claus at the annual event is something he really enjoys. He’s been doing it for the past 14 years.
“I’ve been coming to the toy run for 30 years. So I’ve only missed one. It’s just to help people out,” said Sexton.
Thanks to the efforts of A.B.A.T.E., dozens of kids in Allen, Auglaize, Paulding, Putnam, Van Wert, Logan and Mercer Counties will have a brighter Christmas.
The money raised from the toy run will be used to purchase toys for needy children.
“This is our 31st year doing this and we raised over $480 thousand for the needy kids of Region 3 and surrounding areas,” said Linda Schnipke spokesperson for A.B.A.T.E. Region 3.
A.B.A.T.E. or American Bikers Aimed Toward Education helps promote motorcycle safety and this is one way they can give back to the community.
"We do promote safety awareness that motorcycles are out there also not just for the people that are in the cars but also that help train the motorcyclists the safety of being on a motorcycle,” added Schnipke.
Nearly 550 motorcycles participated in this year’s A.B.A.T.E. Toy Run.
