Toys for Tots Motorcycle Parade Rides Through Chicago

The 38th Annual Chicagoland Toys for Tots Motorcycle Parade kicked off Sunday morning. An estimated 70,000 motorcycle enthusiasts rode nearly twenty miles on the West Side of Chicago in support of the charity.

Riders brought a toy to donate to the nonprofit organization Toys for Tots, which provides children with holiday gifts when their parents are unable to afford them.

The ride began at 9:30 at the Dan Ryan Woods, located at the corner of 83rd and Western Ave. Participants were arriving as early as 6:30 a.m., and rode north on Western Ave. to Addison St., ending at Lane Tech High School where gifts for children in need were dropped off.

"It's always good to give back to our community," said rider Laura Kurz. "I've had three grandkids and I would never want them to go without."

"Every kid deserves a toy for Christmas," added rider Lester Szkodzinski.

Governor Bruce Rauner also joined the parade on a Harley-Davidson, one of three bikes he said he owns.

"We're collecting toys for Toys for Tots to help families in need," said Rauner. "It's a beautiful day for a ride, and it's a lot of fun."