Circle City Toy Run Rolls Out to Bring Christmas Joy to Children in Indianapolis

A couple dozen Santas will be seen riding their motorcycles (sleighs) through Indianapolis in support of The Salvation Army of Central Indiana's Angel Tree Program. The 31st Circle City Toy Run is taking place Saturday, November 29, with hundreds of bikers joining the ride.

The annual motorcycle ride will begin at the Moose Lodge #17, 7055 E. 16th St., starting at 1 p.m. The riders will be escorted by police motorcade and drive through Indianapolis. Behind the hundreds of motorcycles will be a box truck full of donated toys.

The Circle City Toy Run is collecting toys for The Salvation Army of Central Indiana from now until November 29. Toy collection sites are as follows:

• IndyWest Harley-Davidson: 6201 Cambridge Way, Plainfield, IN 46168
• Dreyer Honda Can-Am: 4152 W Washington St, Indianapolis, IN 46241 
• Sugar Shack Saloon: 5560 S Brookville Rd, Indianapolis, IN 46219 
• Tony D’s Restaurant: 5918 Dragon Dr, New Palestine, IN 46163 
• Moose Lodge #17

People can also join the motorcycle ride with a donation of $10 or a new toy. Riders will need to check-in at 10 a.m.

The Circle City Toy Run will deliver all toys to The Salvation Army of Central Indiana at the end of the route. Riders will join Salvation Army staff in enjoying hot chocolate, coffee, and donuts before unloading all toys. Participants will also receive a Salvation Army Bell to commemorate the Circle City Toy Run.

Once all the toys have been uploaded, riders will make their way back to the Moose Lodge #17 for an after party, which will consist of a hog roast, live music, raffles and prizes. Proceeds from the party will be given back to The Salvation Army’s Angel Tree & Toy Shop program. All are welcome to join the fun and help raise additional funds.

“We are so thankful for the Circle City Toy Run and its excitement every year to help our Angel Tree & Toy Shop program. With their help every year, we are able to provide Christmas to every single child in our program,” said Major Malinda O’Neil, Area Commander of The Salvation Army. “Last year, the group surprised us with so many toys, plus tablets and other items that were great gifts.”

The Circle City Toy Run was founded by Ron "Bumper" Herron, whose mother was a long-time volunteer for The Salvation Army. It was her request that he find a way to help, and the annual event continues to this day in her honor. The ride began with just a handful of friends and has grown to be one of Indiana's most popular motorcycle events of the Christmas season.