OCEANSIDE — The parking lot at Oceanside Harbor was filled with more than 800 leather-clad bikers with big hearts Nov. 22. Toys for Tots Motorcycle Run riders gathered for the drive out to Casino Pauma, where an estimated 2,000 holiday toys will be handed over to U.S. Marines to donate to San Diego families in need.
“Right now there are over 500 here,” James Pratt, Toys for Tots coordinator, said an hour before the bikers rode out. “It’s the largest turnout we’ve had and they’re still coming.”
The run drew riders from Antelope Valley, Los Angeles, Twentynine Palms and local cities. Tom Ncleod, of San Diego, shared a common sentiment of many of the riders. “We all gather here for the kids and the camaraderie,” Ncleod said.
“The ride has been going on for 21 years, and I’ve been Santa for 12 years,” Woody Woodruff of Carlsbad said. Woodruff led the ride out to Casino Pauma on a decorated motorcycle dressed in a full Santa suite.
“Every kid deserves a toy,” George Mocabbe of La Verne, riding with Covina Charter Gold Wings Road Riders Association, said.
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