GALVESTON — The Blue Knights are hitting the streets again in their quest to give disadvantaged children a present this holiday season.
The motorcycle club’s Galveston chapter will have its sixth annual toy run Sunday, which benefits the U.S. Marine Corps’ Toys for Tots program.
Registration is at 10:30 a.m. at Hooters, 20790 Gulf Freeway, in Webster.
The ride begins at noon and will end at Hooters, 3656 E. Sam Houston Parkway S., in Pasadena.
The course was chosen to end in Pasadena because the former Galveston Hooters, on Seawall Boulevard, never reopened after Hurricane Ike, D.J. Alvarez, a Galveston police lieutenant and club president, said.
Marines with Galveston’s reserve unit annually volunteer with the Galveston Police Department’s Blue Santa program, which provides presents and food to island families in need during the holidays. The toy run is a way of giving back to the community and contributing to the Marine Corps’ cause, Alvarez said. The Blue Knights have clubs nationwide, made up of people who work in law enforcement.
“The Marine Corps has been gracious to help us out every year,” Alvarez said. “This is our way of helping them.”
All motorcyclists are encouraged to join the ride. A $10 donation or a new, unwrapped toy of equal value is asked of riders and passengers.
Alvarez is hoping for good weather.
“We’ve had up to 300 motorcycles or 30 depending on the weather,” he said. “I was the lead bike two years ago when it was 30 degrees and raining.”
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At A Glance
WHAT: Blue Knights’ sixth annual Toys for Tots toy run
WHEN: Registration begins at 10:30 a.m. Sunday. The ride is at noon.
WHERE: Hooters, 20790 Gulf Freeway, in Webster.
INFORMATION: Contact D.J. Alvarez at 281-642-8716 or visit www.bktx31.org.
