30, including Santa, join in ABATE’s annual toy run

Provided photos: (Left) Katrina Chaffee, director of community service at Community Action, talks with ABATE president Chuck Persons at the VFW in Medina during the annual toy run to benefit Community Action. (Right) Duane Munn dressed as Santa Claus to lead ABATE’s toy run for Community Action on Sunday.

After a 50-mile run, bikes begin arriving at the VFW in Medina to conclude their toy run for Community Action.

MEDINA – ABATE’s Orleans County chapter has been sponsoring a toy run for 35 years, all of which have benefited Community Action.

This year’s run on Sunday began like the rest at Ridgeway Fire Hall and concluded at the VFW in Medina, where the riders enjoyed hotdogs and snacks.

Duane Munn dressed as Santa Claus led the procession of more than 30 bikes on his motorcycle, escorted by an Orleans County Sheriff’s deputy.

This year a handful of toys and $620 in cash donations were collected. Riders from the Elks Lodge who were unable to ride because of a conflicting event, collected $160 of that amount.

Riders pay $10 each to participate, and that can be in the form of cash, gift card or toy.

Matt Tracy, vice president of the Orleans County ABATE, said this run as been taking place for 35 years, and in all his 18 years as a member, the funds are always donated to Community Action to kick off their holiday giving season. A number of life members participate every year, he said.

Katrina Chaffee, director of community service at Community Action, said they utilize the money to help provide gifts for children in Orleans County at holiday time. Last year, they helped 200 families with holiday gifts and/or meals, she said.

Chaffee said Community Action is very thankful to ABATE for their donation and to the Orleans County Sheriff’s Department for the escort.

Cyclists line up at Ridgeway Fire Hall on Sunday to begin the annual toy run to benefit Community Action.