The annual motorcycle toy run through the streets of Cootamundra will recommence this December, after it was cancelled in 2020 due to Coronavirus restrictions. The toy run is led by the Salvation Army in conjunction with the Ulysses Motorcycle Club, and this year for the first time, the Cootamundra Antique Motor Club. The toy run will commence on the 11th of December, departing from Hovel Street, travelling around town, finally finishing up at Albert Park. Member of the car club, Mark Loiterton says that they have joined forces with the Salvation Army to encourage the Cootamundra community to donate toys for kids in need this Christmas. “The donated toys are brought in unwrapped, then sorted by gender and age group and then will be distributed to families in need,” he said. Salvation Army Corps Officer for Young/ Cootamundra, Michael Hindle, says that the annual toy run is a great way to give back to the community.
“Christmas can be quite a stressful time for families and we want to help and try and provide gifts and food for families in need,” he said. Volunteers will put the Christmas hampers together as they receive applications, that may include toiletries, children’s toys and a Woolworths gift card to assist families with food purchases. “People will be able to pick up the hampers before Christmas and we are hoping they will be wrapped,” Michael told The Times. Members of the community who wish to receive toys or Christmas hampers, must register an application through the Cootamundra Salvation Army office and can call their office on (02) 6942 1424. Representatives from the Salvation Army will be in contact from late November, to help people who have registered, with the application process.
Rebecca More