The 20th annual Ken Adams Memorial Toy Run is set for Saturday, Sept. 10 at 11:30 a.m. at the Fairystone Volunteer Fire Department. This year’s event marks the final run, according to Cathy Adams.
Adams and her husband, Ken, started the event in 2003 to raise money for the Patrick County Christmas Cheer Program/ The two co-organized the event until Ken Adams’ death in 2006 from Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL).
Cathy Adams and her church, Ross Harbour United Methodist Church, decided to continue the event in his honor.
“I said if I could make it to 20 years, that was all the years I was going to do it. I’m hoping that someone will step up and do some kind of ride for the Patrick County Christmas Cheer, but I think I need to let some younger blood get in there and take over,” Adams said.
Funds raised from the event are used to buy clothing and toys for children in need.
“What our organization does is we get (assigned) children, whether they are a boy or a girl, and what sizes they wear, and we do the shopping that makes it easier for Christmas Cheer. We try to buy clothing we think the children need, like coats, shoes, and pieces of clothing, and then we get to buy toys,” she said.
Last year, Adams said the organization was able to help 80-85 children.
In the 19 years it has operated, she said the run has raised about $92,000 and helped more than 735 children.
“There’s a great need in Patrick County. Usually there’s about 400 to 450 children that need help, so it’s a great cause,” she said.
While attendance typically depends on the weather, Adams said the toy run usually has around 100 people in attendance, including volunteers.
“We’ve had up to 250 in a ride, so we hope that attendance will be great. We just want to help the children this year,” she said.
Adams said if people are unable to attend the toy run but would still like to help, they should contact Christmas Cheer and get a child’s information tag for clothes and toys.
“Just so those kids get help is what matters to us,” she said.
Registration for the event starts at 11:30 a.m. with the ride starting at 1 p.m. There is a $10 entry fee for all riders.
Adams said the normally hour-long ride will go down Virginia 57 towards Henry County, with riders then getting on Stones Dairy Road and U.S. 58.
“Sometimes we stop at Stuart Tire so the riders can rest a little bit before we go back to Fairystone Volunteer Fire Department,” she said.
The ride is open to all types of cars, trucks, and motorcycles. The event also includes a 50/50 drawing, door prizes, and hotdogs for all riders.
Those wishing to donate can do so by mailing checks made out to the Ken Adams Toy Run to Cathy Adams at 35 Goblintown Road, Stuart, VA 24171.
For more information, contact Cathy Adams at (276) 930-1530, or Vernon Nelson at (276) 340-8715.