Christmas Spirit Rides Through Grants Pass.... Already.

Christmas is almost three months away, but it's not too early for hundreds of bikers to start playing Santa.

Reving engines, leather clad bikers and... toys.

You might have seen hundreds of these bikers motoring through Grants Pass today for their annual toy run.

Pat Allen is off again, leading hundreds of fellow bikers through the city.

"It's all about commrodery and having a good time doing something for the children in the area," he said.

For the fifth year in a row the Vietnam vet and a lot of other A.B.A.T.E bikers hit the road, draping their bikes with holiday toys for kids in the community.

"I wanted to do something in my community that counted," Allen said.

A.B.A.T.E stands for "a brotherhood against totalitarian enactments," a national non-profit motorcyclist organization.

Allen said last year the toy run raised more than 6,300 hundred dollars and more than 700 toys for the siskiyou community health center's outreach programs, including Project Baby Check.

Family support workers closest to the children that get the gifts every Christmas said  this toy run counts.

"I think it means a lot just for them to know that this huge organized event is for them specifically and just brightens their kids smiles for a day...," Sydney Miller said.

Allen would know. Project Baby Check helped his daughters when they had their own children.

"Even though I'm tired and worn out the rewards inside, knowing I did something right is worth it," Allen said.

He also said he'll keep riding for the toy run as long as he can. Simply to help brighten the kids smiles even for a day.

Officials say one hundred percent of the donations go directly to the children.

Allen said they do the toy run so early in the year so their bikes and stuffed animals don't get soggy with the rain.

For more information about the organization and donating contact Allen at 659-8715.