Lake Taneycomo Elks preparing for their annual partnership toy run
The Lake Taneycomo Elks Lodge 2596 is partnering once again with the Freedom of the Road Riders Local 15 (FORR) to bring Christmas joy to children in Taney County.
The 37th Annual Branson Toy Run will take place this year on Sunday, Nov. 1. Motorcycle riders will meet at the Walmart parking lot located at 2050 Hwy. 76 Country Blvd. in Branson at noon. The riders will be carrying toys and coats to be donated to the elks’ annual toy and coat distribution. Kickstands up at 1 p.m., as Santa leads the way for the Toy Run from the parking lot to the lodge in Forsyth. FORR is currently accepting donations for the toy drive. Lunch will be provided to riders at the lodge after the run. Everyone is welcome to join the rain, shine or snow toy run.
Terri Williams, a representative from the Elks Lodge, has been volunteering for the toy run for more than 20 years.
“Each year we help Taney County families who struggle to get their kids Christmas gifts,” Williams said. “It is always so impactful to see how much it helps. I remember one man who was serving our country and when he was deployed his children received gifts from our distribution. When he got home, he told me without our distribution his children would not have had a Christmas. This is why we do this every year.”
The program helped about 250 children ages zero to 16-years-old receive presents last year.
“We are planning on between 250 and 300 kids this year,” Williams said. “We shop and take donations all year long for the event.”
According to Williams, if someone wants to donate new toys, gifts or new coats they can call the lodge at 417-546-2597 to set up a time to drop off, or they can drop off on Nov. 1.
“If someone doesn't want to shop, we also take monetary donations and myself and volunteers will shop for gifts we are in need of,” Williams said.
As always gifts for teenagers are always a struggle for the distribution program. Williams suggested sports equipment, hygiene products like perfume or electric razors and such items.
“I would like to thank the FORR for being such great partners with the Toy Run and the Forsyth MCJROTC, who volunteer to help us unload and sort the toys and coats on the day,” Williams said.
The toy and coat distribution is open to families in Taney County. Applications will be sent home via area schools for parents to sign up. If a family has children not of school age or who are homeschooled, they can contact the lodge to sign up.
For more information on how to participate in the 37th Annual Branson Toy Run contact Jake at 417-239-6188.
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