Motorcycle enthusiasts converged on the Griffin Buffalo’s Saturday for the 11th annual Marie Ussery Toy Run.

“My granddaughter passed away 11 years ago,” said Peggy Ussery, activities director for Southside Riders Association (SRA). “We started the ride shortly after she passed away, in memory of her.”

She said the day also memorialized Charles “Sonny” Robinson who passed away in September.

Mark Barnhouse, president of SRA, elaborated. He said the purpose of the event is to raise funds to buy toys for foster children in Spalding, Pike, Lamar and Butts counties. He estimated they serve 10 to 15 kids per county.

“We also have a Christmas party at Bandag for the DFACS kids of Spalding County,” he said.

He said the organization served over 100 kids last year.

“We’re going to try to do about 70 to 80 kids at least, depending on how successful the ride is today,” he said.

He said even with the slow economy, he expected a lot of support.

Tommy Foshee participated in the event with his wife, Debbie. He came dressed as Santa Claus, riding a bike that pulled a wagon full of toys behind it.

“A kid told me I looked a little like Santa,” he said when asked how he got the idea for his costume.

The Foshees sponsor two or three needy families each year, ensuring they get food and toys for the holidays.

“We hope that through the year, we hope to make two to three children smile and have a good holiday,” he said.

He said they have participated in the Marie Ussery Toy Run four or five times.

After he spoke, several children came up to him and hugged him.

Walt Stevens participated in the toy run for the first time.

“From a buddy of mine,” he said when asked how he got involved. “He rides all the time.”

He has been riding off and on his whole life but due to not having a bike for ten years, the last toy run he participated in was years ago.

“I want to participate in toy runs, to benefit the kids,” he said.

David Pryor, who is disabled, came with a specialized bike.

“It’s modified so you can drive it from the sidecar in a wheelchair,” he said.

There’s a hand throttle on the left part of the sidecar that is used for acceleration and braking. Pryor said he has driven his bike as far as Myrtle Beach.

Chris Baker came with his wife, Julie, daughter, Summer, and son, Joe, who turned five Saturday.

“We pulled in here to eat and saw everything that’s going on,” he said. “We decided to stay and hang out.”

The two children jumped in an inflatable game while his wife took pictures.

Buffalo’s Manager Ken Stouffer praised SRA.

“Those folks put together all sorts of charity projects — good causes — every year,” he said.

He said working with Southside Riders is beneficial for everyone, as there were 50 or so bikers eating at the restaurant as of 1:25 p.m. He estimated there would be 200 people who ate there by the end of the day.

Toni Biles, vice president of the organization, estimated there were 60 participants as of 1:30 p.m.

“I’m hoping for at least 40 more,” she said. “I’m hoping for at least 100.”

At 2:25 p.m., before the bikers left for the actual ride, Biles estimated the total number of event participants had reached that goal.