The 22nd annual Buck Jones Memorial Toy Run is scheduled for Sunday. The event, organized by Bikers Dream of Atlanta, collects toys at stops from Cumming to Dahlonega to help organizations provide Christmas presents for children in need. “It’s a good, fun ride,” said event organizer Don Parkinson, a longtime friend of Jones. “Last year’s turnout was good. “ Jones, a former Cumming police chief who also worked for the Dawson County Sheriff's Office, started the toy drive after seeing a lack of charities helping families with presents at Christmas. Jones died in 2010 at age 70, but the toy runs continues in his memory, growing bigger each year, according to organizers. Last year’s turnout topped 300 participants.“The amount of people that show up is always dependent on the weather,” Parkinson said. “Depending on the weather, I think we may have more this year. If the weather is good, more turn out.” The toy run starts at the Cumming Fairgrounds on Castleberry Road. Riders will stop first in Dawsonville, where lunch will be provided by the Dawsonville Pool Room, before continuing on to Lumpkin County High School. Registration will begin at 11 a.m. with kickstands up at 1 p.m. The procession is escorted by law enforcement. Riders are asked to bring at least one unwrapped toy to drop off at each location. For more information, call (770) 752-0160 or e-mail apparelsales@bikersdreamatl.com.
The 22nd annual Buck Jones Memorial Toy Run is scheduled for Sunday. The event, organized by Bikers Dream of Atlanta, collects toys at stops from Cumming to Dahlonega to help organizations provide Christmas presents for children in need. “It’s a good, fun ride,” said event organizer Don Parkinson, a longtime friend of Jones. “Last year’s turnout was good. “ Jones, a former Cumming police chief who also worked for the Dawson County Sheriff's Office, started the toy drive after seeing a lack of charities helping families with presents at Christmas. Jones died in 2010 at age 70, but the toy runs continues in his memory, growing bigger each year, according to organizers. Last year’s turnout topped 300 participants.“The amount of people that show up is always dependent on the weather,” Parkinson said. “Depending on the weather, I think we may have more this year. If the weather is good, more turn out.” The toy run starts at the Cumming Fairgrounds on Castleberry Road. Riders will stop first in Dawsonville, where lunch will be provided by the Dawsonville Pool Room, before continuing on to Lumpkin County High School. Registration will begin at 11 a.m. with kickstands up at 1 p.m. The procession is escorted by law enforcement. Riders are asked to bring at least one unwrapped toy to drop off at each location. For more information, call (770) 752-0160 or e-mail apparelsales@bikersdreamatl.com.