HONOLULU (KHON2) — The annual Toys for Tots motorcycle event will take place in Honolulu on Sunday, December 1, 2024, bringing together an expected 4,000 riders to raise funds and collect toys for children in need.
The ride will begin at Magic Island, traveling along Ala Moana Blvd., Kalakaua Ave., Monsarrat Ave., and ending at the Waikiki Shell Lots 3 and 4.
The event aims to spread holiday cheer and is part of the long-running Toys for Tots program, which began in 1947.
The program was founded by Major Bill Hendricks of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, who, along with a group of fellow reservists, collected and distributed 5,000 toys to children in Los Angeles.
The idea came from Bill’s wife, Diane, who crafted a homemade doll and suggested Bill deliver it to a local organization for a needy child.
When Bill discovered no such organization existed, Diane encouraged him to start one.
The pilot project’s success led the Marine Corps to adopt and expand the campaign nationwide in 1948.
On Sunday, road closures will begin at 10:30 a.m. to accommodate the event, with streets reopening by 12 noon.