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Santa got an assist this year as bikers converged on Stony Brook Children’s Hospital on Sunday to deliver almost a thousand new toys to sick kids this holiday.
The toy ride, organized by Full Throttle, an online magazine for motorcycle enthusiasts, brought together more than 120 people riding on over 75 bikes to escort Santa and Mrs. Claus along with other costumed characters to the hospital’s brand new facility led by a Selden Fire Department fire engine.
WBAB radio DJ Keith Fingers served as grand marshal, a position he has held since the toy drive began 10 years ago.
Full Throttle brings together volunteers, motorcycle riders, and various fire departments to take the toys from 13 collection points around the area to the hospital. The collection points include local businesses, fire departments and the hospital itself. Then the toys are hand-delivered to the children by a select few accompanied by the hospital’s Child Life Program staff.
The Child Life Program allows patients to engage in everyday childhood activities to help minimize anxiety during their stay.
“Were here as a community because that’s when we’re at our best,” said Fingers at a gathering in the lobby of the building during the event.
He said that the kids love to look out of their windows to see all the motorcycles, fire trucks, and costumed characters arrive at the hospital.
“The kids are electrified when they see us rolling in.”
See photos from the day below.
Toys dropped at the Children’s Hospital by Full Throttle volunteers 
WBAB radio DJ Keith Fingers (left) speaking at the event on Sunday. 
Bikers, volunteers, Selden FD volunteers, and hospital staff pose at the event on Sunday at the Children’s Hospital
