Santa trades his sleigh for two wheels for Stone County Toy Run

Santa traded his sleigh for two wheels Sunday, leading the way as bikers rolled through Stone County to help make Christmas a little brighter for local children.

Freedom of Road Riders Inc., Local 15 Branson Tri-Lakes held its annual Stone County Toy Run Oct. 4, with approximately 120 bikers riding from the Branson West Walmart to the Kimberling City Elks Lodge No. 2505. Riders gathered at noon before kickstands went up at 1 p.m.

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Randy Stovall, known to many simply as Santa, has donned the red suit for the Stone County Toy Run for 22 years and once again led riders along the route to Kimberling City.

Held on the first Sunday in October, the Stone County Toy Run gives Santa an early start on the Christmas season. Stovall said the heart of the event is helping children close to home and making sure every child in Stone County gets something at Christmas.

“It’s important to the kids in Stone County,” Stovall said. “Everything we raise here stays in Stone County.”

Riders brought new toys, coats, gloves and hats, along with monetary donations, to benefit local children. Donations collected through the Stone County Toy Run are given to the Elks for distribution within the county.

Following the ride, participants gathered at the Kimberling City Elks Lodge for food, drawings and a benefit auction.

Stone County Sheriff Doug Rader was among the riders taking part in this year’s Toy Run, continuing more than 20 years of riding in the annual event. Rader helps coordinate deputies and local law enforcement to ensure the safety of riders along the route and serves as auctioneer for the benefit auction.

The Branson Tri-Lakes local is part of Freedom of Road Riders Inc., a nonprofit motorcyclist rights organization whose mission includes promoting motorcycle safety, rider education, brotherhood and freedom. Local fifteen has been part of the Branson Tri-Lakes area since 1991.

For Stovall, returning as Santa year after year has kept him connected to a tradition centered on giving back to children in his own community.

“I’ve been Santa 22 years for this one,” Stovall said. “I’ve been doing it long enough my hair has turned white now without having to color it.”

The annual Toy Run continues a longstanding tradition of bringing riders, law enforcement and the community together to help make Christmas brighter for children across Stone County.