Hundreds show up for annual toy run to support the Unity Shoppe

Over 600 people came out Sunday morning for the annual Toy Run to help needy children. The ride is coordinated through the Unity Shoppe.

It began about 10:45 a.m. on Santa Claus lane with an escort from the Santa Barbara Police and California Highway Patrol.

The riders traveled through Carpinteria, Summerland, Montecito and Santa Barbara before they finished at the Carriage Museum a block from the waterfront.

Thousands of people came out along the route to see the riders, wave to them and show their support. Many of the key locations included downtown Santa Barbara where the rumble of the motorcycles rebounded off the buildings. Shoppers and those enjoying a Sunday brunch stood up to see the ride, and take pictures as the bikes went by.

Many of the motorcycles and scooters were specially decorated with garland, antlers, and toys.

Some of the riders had holiday costumes.

The toys were piled up at the museum and trucked to the Unity Shoppe. They included dolls, stuffed animals, board games, and toy trucks.

This was the 29th year for the ride.

Excerpts from the ride will be shown during the four hour telethon Saturday on KEYT starting at 4 p.m.

(For more information on the Unity Shoppe go to: http://www.unityshoppe.org/ )