2021 Toy Ride - A Huge Success
Wayne Cullop | Published on 12/14/2021
The 2021 GABA Toy Ride Was A Success
Starting at six meeting points around Tucson, ride leaders, Susan Reed, Bob Willman, Barb Sterling, Mike Sanders, Bruce Tucker and Samuel Alexander led eighty riders (many wearing festive holiday attire) to the pavilion at the Rillito River Park. Riders were greeted by volunteers Pam Cullop, Sophie Knab, Karla Bailey, and Matt Harmon who served cookies, bananas, water and good cheer.
The Salvation Army (our beneficiary this year) was very appreciative of the generosity demonstrated by the riders, and by others that didn’t ride but donated toys at Sabino Bike Shop and Oro Valley Bicycles. The GABA toy boxes were filled to the brim (twice), and some larger toys went directly to the waiting vans. In addition, four bikes were also provided complements of GAP Ministries and GABA's Bike Repair Program. GABA also presented the Salvation Army with over $1,100 in funds ($750 from last year's effort, and the rest from generous donations from members this year). GABA’s 2021 Toy Ride will help the Salvation Army's meet its goal of providing over 4,000 toys and bikes to 1,500 needy families.
GAB's own Hector Melendez serenading the participants with Holiday music. More photos can be found here Toy Ride 2021.