Elizabethton Housing and Development Agency and Ghost Riders Motorcycle Club are hosting their first of two annual toy drives this Saturday and Sunday at Walmart from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The toys will be given to 213 children by Santa Claus himself at the EHDA Christmas party on December 21.
“It tickles them to death,” said Kelly Geagley, EHDA Executive Director.. “They absolutely love it, and it’s my favorite day of the year.”
EHDA commissioners and motorcycle club members will accept new and lightly used toys as well as cash donations, which will be used to purchase toys. Geagley said last year they were able to provide about $5,000 worth of presents.
“Our kids usually get between three and five toys each, and for many they are the only Christmas presents they will open,” said Geagley. “Every year we collect more than ever.”
The Ghost Riders began the drive in 2007 to support EHDA children. Some club members grew up in public housing and after years of donating to Toys for Tots, they had the idea to work directly with EHDA to help those children specifically.
The second toy drive will be held November 21 and 22 at Walmart from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.