OUR LEGACY:

In 1993, Bill & Sheri found a “need” in the community and felt there was something to be done to help. Their friends agreed. With those friend’s help a toy run came to be and in Dec. 1993, 18 kids received several gifts each. A great Christmas! The toy run consisted of 17 motorcycles, a few cars and about 45 people. It was freezing cold; no one cared once the kids started unwrapping presents. In the 17 year history the toy run has existed, you, the people who make this event happen, have provided over 4200 children and Special Need Individuals with Christmas presents and picnic filling the holiday season for everyone attending with magical memories that will last forever. The Down Home Make You Feel Good All Over Cookson Hills Toy Run belongs to you and only you can make it a unique encounter bringing a new spirit to your holiday season.

The goal is to provide the "Forgotten" children falling through the system, age newborn to 18-years, and those with Special Needs in Brandon, Seffner, Mango, Thonotosassa, Dover, Valrico, Riverview, Gibsonton and East Plant City area communities with gifts and special memories of the holiday season. These children come from single parent homes, live with grandparents on fixed incomes, are "Special Needs" (any age) or the provider has been disabled. Their income is limited, they don’t receive any government help or very little and there just isn't anything left after necessities.  Without you they would have nothing for Christmas. We aren't set up to provide financial support to the families, but with your help we can give their children Merry Christmas memories and to the parents a day of peace and happiness without stress. Our older Special Need Individuals have caregivers as many of their families have abandoned them. They don't have "real" Christmas memories with those who care. We provide The Special Need Individuals with a "family" along with some of the items they really need.

We contact the Social Workers and Counselors from schools in the area. They provide the majority of the children attending and have done an excellent job in helping to provide children not on other charity lists. Parents have to contact the school their children attend to request an application to attend the event. Currently we work with 18 area schools, 3 Special Need complexes and a couple businesses that provide the caregivers for our older Special Need Individuals. We do not accept recommendations from families already receiving an application, outside members of their immediate family not living in their home or their friend's children. Personal referrals are happily accepted so if you know of a family that fits our criteria, please contact us.

STAGING AREA Veteran’s Memorial Park on Hwy 301 S. in Tampa permits the use of the park as the staging point, the first Sunday of every December. While waiting for everyone to arrive an auction and raffle are held along with 50/50 raffle tickets sold. Auction and raffle items are donated by local businesses or purchased. All raffle tickets purchased have the chance to win the 50/50 raffle (half to winner-half to charities). Throughout the years, folks winning have donated all or most of the money back to the event. At 1:00 PM, a 20-mile “country” ride takes place heading North on Hwy 301, out Harney Rd. and around the Lake Thonotosassa area on some terrific country roads. Direction maps are provided for those who want to enjoy the “Country” ride. It’s a great ride and we want everyone to enjoy the beautiful mostly shaded country roads safely.

DESTINATION-MAIN EVENT: Evans Park, 1104 N. Kingsway Road & East Highway 92, behind Burnett Middle School. Main event begins at 1:00 PM. Of course, arriving at the main event is where the fun really begins. You pass out Presents and at 2:30 PM, you become a part of the delight. You personally give the gifts and see them unwrapped. Smiles! Laughter! Joy! Tears of Happiness! Talk about “Priceless”…. It gets very emotional! Enjoy a fantastic BBQ meal with your choice of Ribs, Burgers (Hamburger or Veggie Burger), Hot Dogs or Chicken along with 2 sides and be sure to stop by the Shriner's Funnel Cake stand for a "FREE" mini funnel cake. There’s a decorated vehicle show with motorcycles, cars, trucks, dune buggies and old cars with trophies for the best along with some activities for the kids and of course, Santa Claus.

Over 10,000 flyers are distributed throughout the area. When the flyers come out, people start talking of the toy run’s that have come before. People get involved. The Down Home, Make You Feel Good All Over Cookson Hills Toy Run truly belongs to everyone. You make it happen. Please help promote the event by passing the flyers out to your family, friends and businesses.

Every dime that comes in the day of the toy run from the auction, raffles, private donations, T-shirt and drink sales is counted and announced. No wondering, you see it happen. Bookkeeping records available on request.

Cookson Hills Toy Run is about Kids. Those of you who make this event a success, we haven’t the ability to name each deserving individual or business. If you have a business, you may not get “Recognition”. You will witness that every little thing you have done is greatly appreciated and will be reflected in the smiles around you. Seeing the happiness you pass on to children who have been "forgotten" and the Special Needs Individuals will fill you with the true spirit of the holiday season. Every little thing you do is greatly appreciated. Your heart will be full! We THANK YOU from our hearts. 

Bill & Sheri with the help of sponsors pay expenses for the toy run along with several who volunteer helping to keep everything organized. Young and adult volunteers are needed. Teenagers needing Community Service hours are very welcome. Cookson Hills Toy Run is a Tax Deductible 501c3 Non-Profit Charity is a registered Florida Non-Profit. Please visit our "JOIN" section to make a donation through our PayPal account or mail checks to: Cookson Hills Toy Run, PO Box 113 Seffner , FL 33583-0113 or directly to our bank: TD Bank 1018 W. Lumsden, Brandon, FL 33511. Tax deductible receipts are available on request.

If you’ve never been to a toy run you are in for a unique encounter. Those who have already been in attendance know, you don’t want to miss “The Down Home, Make You Feel Good All Over Cookson Hills Toy Run”. This is a “family” event bringing the community and “Bikers” together imparting a new understanding and harmony between the two cultures. We look forward to you, your family and friends joining our quest to bring joy to children and a new spirit in your heart for the Holiday Season.

For information regarding the toy run, please contact Bill or Sheri Brown at 813-643-5758: E-mail:

Cooksontoyrun@aol.com

God Bless – Bill & Sheri Brown