Toy Run bike parade will become a rally

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July 09, 2012|by Melissa Scheffler | KWCH 12 Eyewitness News

(WICHITA, Kan.) — Safety concerns from the public, the Wichita Police Department, and the Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office have driven a popular toy run to make changes. The Wichita Toy Run Committee has announced its run that attracts thousands of riders every year, will now be a rally.

Come November fourth, the historic Delano district will host the "Wichita Toy Run Rally." Long-time Delano resident and business owner Nancy Lawrence helped the Wichita Toy Run Committee with the change from a run… to a rally.

"Because the Toy Run they've had for 32 years was getting a little unsafe,” Lawrence said.

Last year's toy run ended with two injury crashes and reports of a small number of riders drinking before the event. Now, Instead of a run, riders will rally on Douglas between McLean and Seneca.

"They're going to have vendors and bands. They're going to have food. The toy run drop-off,” Lawrence said.

This year will also be without Holly Potelle. The Toy Run's long-time coordinator died last month, when extreme wind tossed her from her bike.

"This is going to be in memory of her. It's not because she passed away. It's what she was working on,” Lawrence said.

This change was not made quickly. The Wichita Toy Run Committee has been planning this for months, even before Holly Potelle's passing. In fact, it was approved before she died.

Lawrence says the focus will still be on donations for organizations like the Salvation Army.

"There's no way of knowing for sure if it will impact the number of toys. And, it's possible the first year, it could be a slight difference, we could see that difference. But I think over time, it will pick-up once again,” Major Douglas Rowland with the Salvation Army said.

Lawrence says riders shouldn't be upset the run... ran its course.

"I say to them, this is about the kids. It's not about that ride,” Lawrence said.

This year's "Wichita Toy Run Rally" will be held November fourth in the Delano District. You are asked to drop-off a toy or make a cash donation. Proceeds go to the Salvation Army, Toys for Tots, and the Kansas Food Bank.

Toy Run bike parade will become a rally

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