FARMINGTON — Local all-terrain vehicle club members will participate in the the 20th Whistlestop ATV Toy Run on Saturday, Sept. 24.

ATV clubs collect toys and donations for Western Maine Community Action’s Operation Santa Claus. All toys are distributed by WMCA to area families in need. Cash donations are used to purchase items.

Registration is at the Whistlestop’s Park and Ride in West Farmington from 8 to 9:45 a.m. Participants are asked to bring a toy, protected from dust, or a cash donation.

The Toy Run will take place rain or shine.

Those registering will be given a meal ticket for the free barbecue in the Jay Plaza after the ride. Raffle tickets will be sold for several prizes. Hot coffee and doughnuts can also be purchased.

The ride will leave Farmington at 10 a.m. Anyone younger than 18 must wear a helmet. Riders are asked to stay together as a safety precaution and not engage in horseplay.

Riders will travel to the Jay Plaza and regroup before heading to Canton. The toys will be transferred to WMCA vehicles. Those vehicles, along with the ATV riders, will go back to the Jay Plaza. Many contributors choose to have their picture taken there with the toys. 

Bob Dalot said the Western Maine ATV Club started the Toy Run as a way to give back to the landowners who allowed use of their property.

The Toy Run provides an opportunity for many area children to get gifts that might not get them otherwise, he said.

“That’s worth everything we put into it,” Dalot said.

Other ATV clubs participating include Canton Trail Riders, Mountain View ATV Club and the Brettuns Wheelers ATV Club.

“Mike Worthley and the Roxbury Club loan us tents and tables for the Toy Run,” Dalot said. “Their assistance is appreciated.”

For more information, call Bob Dalot at 207-897-2926; Chris Currier at 207-441-5090; Stuart Allen at 207-779-4961; Brian Jordan at 207-357-4460; Rene Grondin at 207-897-5501 or George Guptill at 207-645-3552; or visit www.sites.google.com/site/westernmaineatvclub/home.

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