It was a car show with a cause. The East Coast Car Association held its 18th Annual Toy Run on Sunday. NY1's Shannan Ferry filed the following report.
Some car enthusiasts revved up their engines to hand-deliver some early holiday cheer to young patients on Sunday.
"I like this one, because it's my favorite toy, just like I wanted," said one patient.
The East Coast Car Association held its 18th Annual Toy Run over the weekend.
Hundreds gathered at Forest Park in Woodhaven with motorcycles, classic cars and more. They then headed to St Mary's Children's Hospital in Bayside bearing loads of gifts.
"It chokes me up a lot. They all have some type of disability at St. Mary's, and we're just bringing joy to their life, just by doing this," said organizer Michael Bilski.
Organizers said the car association's founder, Ed Walters, started the toy run nearly two decades ago. After he passed, group members made it their mission to keep his legacy alive through the annual tradition. They team up with other organizations from across the city to put it together.
"When you see the kids, you know it just gets to you, and at that moment you're hooked," said organizer Harold Mecabe.
"I'm very grateful and very happy because they care," said another patient.
Along with the toys, organizers also collect donations for the hospital year round. They said they're on track to raise about $20,000 this year.
Although the monetary donations go a long way, many people involved said giving a child who is suffering a reason to smile is the best part of it all.