Nurturing the kids

Crowds and bikers filled the streets from Nevada City through Grass Valley to the Nevada County Fairgrounds on Saturday for the 16th annual Nevada County Food and Toy Run.

Toy Run founder Thom Staser said 1,709 motorcycles rumbled through the streets, despite the chilly weather, taking a full 40 minutes to pass the crowds.

"This year was different because the crowds were strung out, not just along Broad Street and Mill Street" in the downtown districts, Staser said. "Everybody seemed to be having a good time."

Staser drove the lead motorcycle with Nevada County Supervisor Sue Horne on the back.

Toy Run participants displayed the toys they had brought for the kids that were strapped to their motorcycles as they roared through town. Some of them wore Santa hats and one was dressed as a reindeer.

Staser said the run gathered enough money to pay for next year's event and to feed 400 families for Christmas this year. There were enough toys for all the underprivileged children and their families at the end of the run. Leftover gifts went to the Nevada County Sheriff's Office for distribution on the San Juan Ridge.

Giving away the toys at the end of the run here has helped make it successful, Staser said. Many toy runs end with motorcycle riders just dumping their presents and going home.

Here, "They get to see the children pick the stuff up at the end," Staser said. "It's a low-key family event.

"We're neutral ground for the bike clubs, and people love the law-enforcement participation because it's so safe," Staser said. "The whole thing is for the children."

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To contact Senior Staff Writer Dave Moller, e-mail dmoller@theunion.com or call 530-477-4237.