The date was December 13, 1978. This was the date Edward P. (Aminal) Wisniewski originated the Chicagoland Toys For Tots Motorcycle Parade. The first-run was on a cold, windy typical Chicago winter day. The run started from Fantasy Choppers on 63rd Street. ... There were six people involved in the first run; Aminal, Puppy, Mark-Off, Princess, Namu, and Thor. ... This was the beginning of what is now known as the Chicagoland Toys for Tots Motorcycle Parade.
The year we got the motorcycle I told John it would be fun to do the parade. The crappy weather keeps all but the most determined riders away, and we decided it was just too far.
The parade runs right past our place down Western Avenue, so I figured I'd take a look. I only stayed for the first pack of riders to go by, as it was 20 degrees and windy outside. This year, reportedly 30,000 bikers were scheduled to ride the 21 miles from Western & 83rd to the Marine Corps division at Foster Ave.
It takes real generosity, not just financial, to put in the time and effort to come from all around the Chicago area on motorcycles in December when it's 20 degrees and just snowed that morning, to bring piles of toys - stuffed animals, bikes, building blocks, dolls, you name it, and ride 20+ miles to bring a little joy to a needy child. You should have seen some of the things people brought. Bikers may look mean, but they're some of the most big-hearted people in the world.
We might just have to leave the battery in the bike a little longer next year and maybe the weather will be nice enough to ride. It would actually be 40 miles for us since we live at the tail end of the parade route. We shall see. But for now, here's some pictures...
4 people give a shit:
I think you guys would enjoy this activity. This is the true spirit of Christmas!
Very cool.
I always thought that was one of the coolest things during the holidays...it really made me stop and think about Christmas when I first heard about these bikers bearing gifts for kids.
Score one for the good guys!
Tshsmom: I'd love to do it if I could stand the cold. It all depends on the weather. Plus the set up starts at 6am on the far south side of the city - even if the weather is good at parade time, we'd have to ride down there at 5am. We shall see. John's dad said he did it one year and wasn't thrilled with the way it was organized. Since they don't shut down traffic, the bikers still have to deal with cars. One rider was killed last year because some idiot pulled out in front of him.
Dback & Shawn - it is really cool to watch. SOme of the guys get really into it.
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