LOUISVILLE, Ky. — The Kentucky Motorcycle Association and the Marine Corps League partnered Sunday to make sure children across the commonwealth have a happy holiday season with their 42nd annual Toys for Tots motorcycle run. 

Every Sunday after Thanksgiving for the last 42 years, hundreds of motorcycles with toys have cruised across Louisville.

Motorcyclists strapped toys on their bikes to be donated to Toys for Tots during the 42nd annual motorcycle run Dec. 1, 2024, in Louisville. (Spectrum News 1/Tyler O'Neill)

“We got toys for all the good girls and boys,” said James Bernard of the Kentucky Motorcycle Association.

Motorcyclists strapped toys to their bikes and filled up trucks with gifts to donate to those in need. Bernard has been a part of the motorcycle run since it began more than 40 years ago.

“We felt in the early days that this was a cause dear to all of us," Bernard said. "We all have children and grandkids." 

More than 100 people rode from the Greenbelt Highway to the Kentucky Exposition Center, where they dropped off the gifts.

“We've had as big a turnout as over 2,000 people," Bernard said. "Our first run in (1982) was 12, so I think we've come a long way. I love it." 

With the holidays here, Toys for Tots needs more gifts for children who are in the 10- to 13-year-old age range. Donation boxes can be found across the commonwealth (Spectrum News 1/Tyler O'Neill)

The Marine Toys for Tots Louisville Program said last year, more than 65,000 toys were given out to nearly 22,000 Louisville children, but it ran out of toys for children more than 10 years old. 

“I think it's easy, probably a little more fun, maybe to buy for the younger children," said Dale Corum of the Kentucky Motorcycle Association. "This year, there is still a real need for the 10-to 13-year-old range. If you're looking to buy a toy (to) donate, please do so in that age group." 

Both Corum and Bernard said they already plan to return next year for the cause.

“We've got a great turnout and a lot of good people that care about one thing: seeing somebody that don't have something, have something,” Bernard said.

Donations can still be placed at Toys for Tots boxes around the commonwealth or donated directly to the Salvation Army.

The giving continues next week. Toys for Tots is hosting a 12-hour toy drive challenge Friday, Dec. 6 at the United Auto Workers Local 862 and will collect toys for those in need from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.