Swannanoa – With many roads damaged and debris scattered throughout, the numerous Toy Runs in Buncombe and Henderson County have had to modify their plans. It is too dangerous to ride down the highways with onlookers nearby. However, due to Hurricane Helene, gifts are more wanted and needed by the area’s children than ever before! Wish lists are long, as many children’s favorite toys have been destroyed. On Saturday, November 2, the Smoky Mountain Toy Run held its 44th gathering in the Kearfott parking lot in Swannanoa. The Smoky Mountain Toy Run, which began in 1981, is a police-escorted event and is the oldest Toy Run in North Carolina, as well as one of the oldest on the East Coast. It is held on the first Saturday in November.
Thousands filled the Kearfott parking area, with the American flag flying overhead—motorcycles, classic cars, and residents packed the lots to enjoy some fun, listen to great music, savor a burger or hot dog, purchase a commemorative tee-shirt or hoodie, and participate in a 50/50 raffle. It was a time to think ahead to the Christmas season and a way to bring joy to children. Gates opened at 10:00 a.m. and closed at 2:00 p.m. As Gary Aiken stated, “If ever there was a year for each of us to step up and help kids and families in need, 2024 is the year.” Unfortunately, no escorted parade took place, but all gifts were transported by truck to the Eblen Charities Saint Nicholas Project, where they can be picked up in December.
The Henderson County Toy Run will hold a shorter ride on Saturday, November 23. Participants will gather at North Henderson High School at 10:00 a.m., with the ride beginning at 1:30 p.m., traveling up Hwy 64 to the Hendersonville Courthouse. Motorcyclists are encouraged to bring an unwrapped gift or a $20 cash donation for foster children. The event will feature BBQ, door prizes, a 50/50 raffle, an auction, and music by the Prime Country Band.
U.S. Marine Corps Reserve’s Toys for Tots
Western North Carolina Toys for Tots is a locally operated campaign of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Foundation. All toys and funds collected by this campaign remain in the area to help children from birth to 13 years old right here at home. Ruth Holbert is the coordinator for the WNC Toys for Tots campaign and is a resident of Henderson County. The campaign covers Buncombe, Henderson, Madison, Polk, Transylvania, and Yancey counties. Toys for Tots works in conjunction with elementary schools in these counties, as well as other programs that distribute toys to families in need. Last year, over 4,200 children were supported by Toys for Tots with nearly 17,000 gifts.
Collection boxes are located in many local businesses, or monetary donations can be made. Locations for businesses with boxes can be found at: https://wnctft-nc.toysfortots.org/local-coordinator-sites/lco-sites/donate-toys.aspx. However, Ruth Holbert notes: “We are going to implement a different distribution this year due to the hurricane situation. We will announce that at a later date! There will also be changes to our drop-off list as many past businesses are closed due to Helene. Please check back on our webpage later.”
This year, the pickup date for collection boxes will start on December 9th. If someone would like to contribute to the campaign by making a monetary donation, they can mail a check made payable to NEW mailing address: Toys for Tots, 3227 Hickory Hill Rd. This is just a mailing address and not the warehouse location!