Okie Toy Run raises more than $27,000

The fifth annual Okie Toy Run raised a record $27,257 for the Durant Lions Toys for Tots program, more than doubling what was collected last year.

The run was Sunday beginning at Freedom Dodge and ending at the Durant Elks Lodge.

Holly Means, founder and president of the Okie Christmas Toy Run, said numerous motorcycle clubs were represented and a person who was counting the bikes stopped counting at 288. Automobiles and utility vehicles also participated in the ride.

She credited the toy run’s vice president, Lori Townsend Reid, with being a big help for the event.

“So, all together, it’s getting bigger and bigger,” Means said, on the day of the ride.

She agreed the toy run is an example of local bikers helping the community.

“They all come together to help the kids and we’re real proud of it,” Means said.

Reid said, “It’s all for the kids of Bryan County and we have teamed up with the Durant Lions Club. We started out small and it grows bigger every year and we couldn’t be happier.” Lisa Townsend, secretarytreasurer for the toy run, said canned foods collected are donated to Feeding Hope.

“They do great things in our community and help out tremendously in that area so we want to thank Freedom Dodge also for supporting us and giving us a home base and the Durant Elks Lodge,” Townsend said.

Reid added, “If you ever see a group of bikers, just know that’s all for the good. They are doing some type of fundraiser.”

Mark Swearengin, marketing chairman for the Durant Lions Club, said the Lions have operated the Toys for Tots program for many years now. The club works in conjunction with the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves. Brian Bond is chairman of the program.

Swearengin is pleased with the support of local bikers who organized the Okie Toy Run.

“The affiliation they have with it is they have this motorcycle fun run that people pay to enter and they raise money for Toys for Tots in our area and over the course of the years, they have become our largest fundraiser for this specific event,” Swearengin said.

“It’s allowed us to serve a lot more children than we would normally be able to serve if it weren’t for the help of the folks that put together the Okie Toy Run.”

Swearengin said approximately $12,000 was raised in last year’s toy run and this year, it has more than doubled.

“There are a number of big sponsors as well as smaller sponsors that contribute to make it a success,” he said.

The Toys for Tots giveaway will be Dec. 16 at the Bryan County Community Building.

In a social media post, Means thanked Freedom Dodge, the Lions Club, plus Texoma Harley-Davidson for their support of the ride.

“All the riders, donations and sponsors keep this going every year to make sure the kids have a wonderful Christmas every year,” Means said. “That’s our ending goal. It takes everyone working hard every day for it come together and turn out great every year for the kids.”

The event concluded at the Durant Elks Lodge with a stew dinner and silent auction.