December 9 is the date for this year's “Keepers of Christmas” 13th annual Toy Run. The Wild Bunch Motorcycle Club, Northern Nevada Racing Association and Koyote Kruisers have combined efforts again for this year's Toy Run.
The event combines a whole lot of fun with the opportunity to gather toys for needy children and to raise money for two children in Humboldt County who are facing difficult and expensive medical challenges.
The sign-up and starting point for the Poker Run is Player's bar at 10 a.m. on Sat. Dec. 9. The first 60 participants will get a long-sleeved Poker Run shirt. Everyone who signs up is entered into the drawing for a Poker Run cash prize of $250. After the run, everyone is invited to join up to bid on some terrific items in a silent auction in the lounge at Winner's Casino at 2 p.m.
Toys donated and gathered by the members of the three groups will be distributed as Christmas gifts for needy children in Humboldt County. Food donated by the groups' members will be donated to the Winnemucca Ministerial Association. The money raised will be split again this year between two children.
The families of three-year-old Hadyn Anderson and four-year-old Jathum Kennison each face staggering medical costs beyond what is covered by insurance.
Hadyn Anderson is legally blind and suffers many developmental challenges as well as seizures from a traumatic brain injury caused by her mother's child abuse when she was only two months old. Her mother is now in prison. Hadyn is cared for by her father and her paternal grandparents.
Specialized medical equipment, such as a tiny wheelchair and a stander that helps her develop strength and stretch her muscles, cost thousands of dollars and are not covered by insurance. Hadyn's challenges and her medical costs will continue for her entire life.
Jathum will need medical treatments including blood transfusions, oral and IV chemotherapy for the next several years to fight the Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia he was diagnosed with this past spring.
Both families have significant travel costs, as they are required to regularly take the children in to Salt Lake City, Utah for treatment from specialists.
Last year, the groups' combined efforts raised $8,600 — another record amount. During each of the 12 years the “Keepers of Christmas” have been doing the Poker Run, toy and food collection, the amount of their generosity has increased.
