Weather perfect for Parkland Toy Run

FARMINGTON – About a dozen classic cars and more than 70 motorcycles turned out for the annual Parkland Toy Run Saturday morning.

Organizer Kevin Sumpter of the Parkland Cycle Servants was pleased with the turnout. The weather was both sunny and warm on the November day.

“The Lord provided for a beautiful day,” he said before getting the riders together for a short prayer and the Pledge of Allegiance in the parking lot of Cici’s Pizza in Farmington.

Motorcyclists from several area organizations including the Patriot Guard participated. Each participant brought a toy for the St. Francois County Community Partnership’s Season of Hope and a food item for a local food pantry.

Some riders secured stuffed animals to their motorcycles. Most of the toys were piled into a Desloge fire truck which led the procession through Farmington, Leadington, Park Hills, Desloge, Bonne Terre and then to Mineral Area Elks in Desloge for lunch. Immediately behind the fire truck was Santa in a convertible.

Members of the Samaritan Lodge 424 in Bonne Terre collected toys and brought them to the Mineral Area Elks Lodge Saturday.

Season of Hope takes referrals for low-income St. Francois County children from schools, the state Children’s Division, and Head Starts, etc.

Season of Hope relies on individuals, businesses, groups, churches, schools to make Christmas better for less fortunate children. For more information on how you can help, call 573-431-3173.

In St. Francois County 23 percent of all children live in poverty compared to the Missouri average of 19 percent. There are children who do not have a bed to sleep in or appliances to cook food.

This year’s toy run event began by presenting a plaque of appreciation to Chip Peterson for his ongoing help for the toy run fundraiser.

Teresa Ressel is a reporter for the Daily Journal and can be reached at 573-431-2010, ext. 179 or at tressel@dailyjournalonline.com.