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September 02. 2012 7:05PM

Motorcyclists will rev up donations for 30th annual Toy Run Sept. 9

The line to donate toys stretched through the parking lot and into William Loeb Drive at the annual Santa Fund/Salvation Army Toy Run last year. (Josh Gibney/Union Leader)

MANCHESTER — Motorcyclists bearing gifts will arrive at the New Hampshire Union Leader on Sunday, Sept. 9, for the 30th annual Toy Run for The Salvation Army.

Organized by the New Hampshire Motorcyclists' Rights Organization (NHMRO), the event has attracted more than 4,000 motorcyclists, who have brought donations for needy children in New Hampshire.

Educational toys, non-perishable food items and check donations made payable to The Salvation Army are greatly appreciated.

Any motorcyclists interested in taking part in the toy run can meet at the Department of Safety parking lot on Hazen Drive in Concord. Riders will be leaving promptly at 1 p.m.

The 25 mph procession will roll, rain or shine, to the New Hampshire Union Leader, where there will be hot dogs and hamburgers available for a cash donation.

Those who don't ride a motorcycle but want to take part in the fun are also welcome to come at the Union Leader to donate a toy and cheer the riders.

Many sponsors have donated funds to assist with the organization of this event. NHMRO invites other organizations to join the following sponsors: Manchester Motorcycle Club, Best Septic Service, Ted Bantis Trucking & Excavating, In Memory of Chris Murphy, Manchester Auto Glass, Deerhead Sportsmen's Club, Atlantic Upholstery, In Memory of Gary Ruel-Ruel's Cycle, American Legion Riders (Chapter 14 Post 37), Lafayette Press, Graffitee Wear, Demers Garden Center, Mike and Cheryl, Express Tire Center — Milford and Hillsboro, Hawg Hill, Twisted Iron R.C. and N.H.VTX Riders.

For more information on how to become a sponsor or supporter, please go to nhmro.org or call Joanne Packard at 432-3391.

How to donate

Santa Fund donations can be made by completing the online form by clicking "Donate" below or send a check to:

THE SANTA FUND
c/o New Hampshire Union Leader
P.O. Box 9555
Manchester, NH 03108

You can also drop off the printed form in our newspaper and a donation in the Santa Fund box at the Union Leader, 100 William Loeb Drive in Manchester from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday. We will also have a donation drop box at the Intown Manchester Holiday Market on Thursday, November 29 and every Thursday in December.

Share a holiday greeting

With your donation, the Union Leader will publish a short holiday message in the newspaper. Just write it up exactly as you would have it appear, printing clearly, and mail it along with your donation. If you prefer to donate online, follow the link on the page following the transaction to submit a Christmas message.

For more information, please contact Shannon Sullivan, Union Leader Community Relations Manager, at (603) 206-7833 or ssullivan@unionleader.com

The Union Leader Santa Fund is a community tradition that has supported the Salvation Army for more than 50 years. The Santa Fund was first established at the Post Office Fruit in Manchester after a chance 1959 meeting between the Salvation Army major and the then-editor of the Union Leader.

In its first year, the Santa Fund brought in $1,000 to support the Salvation Army�s Christmas effort. Since then, the Santa Fund has raised nearly $6.8 million, thanks to the generosity of the community and local businesses. Santa Fund dollars continue to provide warm clothing, meals and toys during the holidays, as well as support Kids� Caf�, summer camps and other critical programs throughout the year. Last year's drive brought in over $240,000 � thanks to the generosity of local businesses and residents, bringing the lifetime total to nearly $6.8 million.