WITH Christmas fast approaching, families across the shire are flocking to Portland’s stores to fill their stockings with toys and goodies to celebrate the holiday.

For some families less fortunate, toys cannot always be at the top of their list during the holiday season, with many relying on services like the Salvation Army to lend a helping hand.

Supporting the Salvation Army this year, the Heywood to Portland Toy Run will be held Saturday, December 4 , with bike riders from across the shire touring the two towns for a good cause.

The event, which has been running for almost 30 years, aims to gather toys for children in need across Glenelg Shire.

Event organiser David Upton said the event usually draws around 100 bikes each year.

“On average we have 100 bikes, but some years are less and some are more,” he said.

“We try to get a few hundred toys for the kids.

“Christmas is a great time of year for everyone – but it’s really about the kids.

“We don’t want any kids waking up on Christmas morning without presents – it’s all for them.”

Mr Upton said on top of the event being vital for children, it was also a great day out for all involved.

“Some people might have a poor view of people on motorbikes and I think toy runs help change that idea,” he said.

“It puts out a good image for us but also it’s just a great get together.

“We get to cruise around town doing something we love and it’s for a good cause – it doesn’t get much better.”

Portland Salvation Army corps officer lieutenant Heather Stamp said toys for children of all ages were welcome.

“We get a lot of toys between the age groups of four and 12,” she said.

“But we cater to kids from birth until 18, so we sometimes struggle with presents in those outlying age groups.

“All presents are more than welcome though.”

The toy run will start across from Elders in Heywood at 10.30am on Saturday before it heads to Portland to finish on the foreshore.

Donations of brand new food and toys welcome in addition to monetary donations.

Contact Mr Upton on 5521 7419 for further information.