There’s no snow for sleighs, so a Santa-minded bunch will hop on their motorcycles tomorrow, dash over the bridge to the city, and drop off toys for needy and sick children.

Some 1,000 bikers -- each carrying a toy -- will arrive before noon at Pier 45 at Fisherman’s Wharf, where they will be met by UCSF staff members and others.

A gift-bearing Rip City Rider at the event two years ago Photo by Karen Preuss

The annual “Toy Run Project,” sponsored by the Rip City Riders and the SF Fire Department, will benefit the UCSF Pediatric HIV Program, a UCSF satellite unit for HIV-infected youngsters at Oakland Children's Hospital, and the SF Fire Fighters Toy Program.

A motorcycle caravan will leave Santa Rosa tomorrow morning, and others will join along the way, including SF Mayor Willie Brown. The "Toy Run" is coordinated by Linda and Steve DeLaney of the Rip City Riders. "The project gives club members another opportunity to ride and a way to make a contribution to others," says Linda.

On hand to receive the toys at Pier 45 will be Lynn Goldman of the UCSF Pediatric HIV Program, several UCSF staff members and volunteers, and John Voelker, chair of the SF Fire Fighters Toy Program.

The UCSF Pediatric HIV Program currently oversees the care of more than 200 infants and children from throughout Northern California and as far south as Bakersfield. The SF Fire Fighters Toy Program provides gifts each Christmas to children in disadvantaged families.

Festivities -- including raffle, music, hot rod show, and barbecue -- will continue during the afternoon as the group rides through the streets of San Francisco.

1st appeared 12/05/97

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