38th annual "Hope for the Holidays" toy drive and motorcycle run held in Chicopee
Nov 01, 2024
CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP) - While Halloween may have just ended, the holiday season is quickly approaching. A group of motorcyclists is working to spread joy to children in need through an annual toy drive.
This is a three-day drive aimed at providing "Hope for the Holidays". And lots of people came out for the first day of the drive, ready to brighten kids holidays with some toys.
Motocyclists are making sure kids all across western Massachusetts have their Christmas wishes fulfilled. This is done through Trinity Health of New England 38th annual "Hope for the Holidays" toy drive and motorcycle run.
"That feeling that you get in your heart when your helping someone else out, you can't buy that and you know that just fulfills us with what we do," said organizer, Melvyn Hook.
On Friday, the drive kicked off outside of Walmart in Chicopee on Memorial Drive. This cause has been met with overwhelming support so far as many stop by to donate toys and fill up carts.
"It's going to be hard for a lot of people for Christmas, and it' just nice to give a little something, doesn't have to be a ton, just something and that could make some kid very happy," said Rachel Decaro of Springfield.
They are asking for any newly unwrapped toys, gift cards, or monetary donations to be distributed to Brightside for families and children. They focus on supporting families through stabilization and outreach among other things. Some of the toys will also go to children in need through Lorraine's Soup Kitchen and Pantry in Chicopee and the Center for Human Development.
"They're there for a reason, they're there because they need help and you know when it comes to Christmas, there shouldn't be any children that shouldn't have a Christmas," added organizer, Bruce Rivest.
And if you want to donate, the drive continues Saturday between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. Or you can bring a newly unwrapped toy with you on Sunday for their motorcycle run. This toy will serve as your entry ticket for the ride.
And if you're looking to participate in the motorcycle run, the run will kick off at 11AM at Memorial Drive Walmart in Chicopee and will end at the Mercy Medical Center in Springfield.
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