Toy Run 2005

21st Toy Run Helps Fill The Needs Of

South Mississippi's Youth

What does it take to show the world that the Mississippi Gulf Coast is coming back and that their spirit isn't beaten down? More than 500 hundred motorcyclists from as far away as Louisiana and Alabama, but most came from just across town or live on your street, your neighbors and friends right here in Mississippi. That's right. I'm talking about the Asgards and their 21st Annual Toy Run. They put it together for the disadvantaged and especially this year's needy children of the Catholic Diocese of Biloxi. Some of these riders were still shoveling out mud from their homesteads, some don't have any homestead to shovel out anymore, but that didn't stop them from giving until it hurt by donating toys, bikes and money to this effort. Hold it! Not just the Asgards, but Biloxi's own Firefighters donating a trailer full of small, medium and large bicycles. Also joining the Toy Run for the first time was the Christian Motorcycle Club. It was truly a sight to see and a wonder to behold... motorcycles as far as you could see. The firefighters and motorcycle clubs' toys were donated to the Catholic Diocese of Biloxi via the Knights of Columbus Council 1244 and will be distributed to the entire southern Diocese comprising the lower 16 Mississippi counties. Young and old alike pitched in to off load the donations from the Asgard members as they stood in line to give their toys to Knights of Columbus members loading a smaller but still very long trailer. A 16 wheeler out of Wisconsin hauling toys from the cheese-lovers all the way to the Mississippi Gulf Coast joined the caravan of Twelve baskets workers headed by Jennifer Knue and the Knights of Columbus Council 1244 members and families, lead by Grand Knight Tom Easter to the 12 Baskets warehouse in Gulfport. Hagar, President of the Asgards and Smokey their Public Relations representative repeatedly thanked all for the wonderful work done by all. Sister Rebecca Rutkowski accepted the gifts on behalf of Bishop Rodi who was unable to attend the festivities. The gifts were taken to 12 baskets for storage until distribution could be arranged. Jennifer Knue and her hard working associates at 12 Baskets along with Biloxi Knights of Columbus Council 1244 assisted in unloading the toys and bikes into the warehouse. Money was also collected from the event and will be distributed to the St. Vincent dePaul Society organizations on the Gulf Coast. This event lifts the spirits of all affected by the devastating results of Katrina and moves the hearts of men, women and children alike.

Grand Knight Tom Easter discusses the Toy Run with Brother Tommy Wiltz

Chuck Tomasello(l) and President of the Ladies Auxiliary, Susan Easter(c) with Grandson Johnathon Sewell(r) wait for the Toy Run to begin.

Sr. Rebecca Rutkowski (r) talks with WLOX's newscaster(l) about her experiences with the KC's trying to open the two-wheeled dolly at the unloading of the Florida's relief truck last month.

Tom's 'five minutes of glory' with WLOX newscaster.

Biloxi's Firefighters from left to right are Ray Romero, Battallion Chief Joe Boney, Tony McCormick and Nicolas Geiser brought a trailer full of bicycles to the 2005 Toy Run

Brother Greg Crapo (c) waiting with Jennifer Knue (r) from Twelve Baskets and Greg's friend (l)

Just one of the several trucks full of toys brought to the Toy Run for distribution for the needy children of South Mississippi. This will be a special Christmas since Katrina tried without sucess to destroy it.!

The numbers are questionable...certainly more than 300 bikes and more than 500 bikers were present to make the 2005 Toy Run a success

Billy G! Don't lean out too far of the trailer or you'll fall!

Brothers abound to begin packing the gifts into the 26 foot trailer for a short trip to Twelve baskets for distribution to the needy kids of South Mississippi

More and more toys came from all directions. Here Brother John Higginbotham loads the trailer from outside.

Chuck Tomasello helps during the packing of the toys brought in by the Asgards and other motorcycle clubs

This is what it's all about. K.C. Brother, Asgards motorcycle members and Biloxi firefighters working hand in hand as one.

Hurry up, John...the toys are like the pink bunny...they just keep coming and coming and coming...

This is how you grab the bicycle Sr., and then you push it up the ramp like this...

And smiling about it too! A great group of people.

Here we are at the Twelve Baskets in Gulfport just starting to unload the trailer and the semi tractor/trailer to the warehouse

Brothers Jerry Atkinson(l) and Terry Janca (r) pondering a trade of toys with the Grand Knight off to the right...come on fellas...they're for the kids!!!

Johnathon Sewell holds one of several barrels of toys brought in by all.

You want the bicycles where???

Sister Rebecca says anyone trying to get these bikes out without help doesn't have a prayer...Sardine comes to mind, hmmm!!

OK guys...back down the hall...all the rooms are getting full!

Sr. Rebecca (l) and Jennifer Knue stand by just a small area of the toys brought from the Toy Run. Thanks to one and all for a very successful year...one which gave doubts as to whether it would ever come off, but the determination and will of thousands of Mississipians show what medal they're made of.

Sister Rebecca (forth from right) poses with some of the staff of the Twelve baskets after helping the K.C. unload the two trailers. Sorry ladies...didn't get your names.