The Christmas spirit will be on tap on Saturday when motorcycle enthusiasts ride through Picayune during the Toys for Tykes II Toy Run.

Glen Gilmore has organized the event for the past four years, but this event has taken place in Picayune for over 20 years.

“Original members of the Toys for Tykes couldn’t organize the event anymore and I didn’t want the toy run to come to an end, so I got together with the Confederation of Leathernecks in Picayune to help organize the event,” Gilmore said.

The toy run will take place on Dec. 2 at 11 a.m. at Friendship Park. Participants are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy for a boy or girl. The toys will be donated to the Angel Tree Ministries. Coffee and donuts will be provided to anyone who arrives early.

“We will leave Friendship Park at 11 a.m. and instead of taking Highway 11 to City Hall, we will ride through back roads in order to spread the Christmas joy to even more people around town,” Gilmore said.

The route to City Hall has not been finalized at the moment, but the bike ride is expected to last about 30 minutes, Gilmore said.

Once everyone arrives at City Hall, a short program will take place. The program includes the raising of the American flag and a performance of the national anthem. While at City Hall, a Santa hat will be passed around to collect monetary donations for Angel Tree Ministries.

After the program at City Hall, participants will ride to the American Legion Hall, located at 2500 Union School Road in Picayune, where food and entertainment will be provided.

According to its website, Angel Tree Ministries provides presents to children whose parents are incarcerated. Since its beginning in 1982, Angel Ministries has donated over 2.7 million toys to children across the U.S.

“We received over $1,500 in donations and three pick-up trucks of toys last year and I’m hoping to have a bigger turnout this year,” Gilmore said. “We are blessed to have a great supportive community and I’m excited about our upcoming event.”