Philly Bikers Hold Christmas in July Toy Run For Children’s Hospital

The calendar may still read July, but a band of Philadelphia bikers was offering some holiday cheer for Shriners Children's Hospital's 29th annual Christmas in July Toy Run on Sunday, July 27. Even Santa Claus got in on the pre-holiday festivities by cruising down Broad Street on a motorcycle to meet with patients.

Members of the Philadelphia chapter of the Centurions Motorcycle Club spent time distributing gifts to children receiving treatment at Shriners Children's Hospital.

"For the last 29 years, the Centurions have hosted this event where they roar down Broad Street with their motorcycles ... and they bring us lots of toys, lots of money, and lots of smiles," said Erin Winkler, marketing and communications coordinator at Shriners Children's Philadelphia, to ABC 6 News Philadelphia.

“It's great for these kids because these kids are in the hospital. My granddaughter has been here for over six months, so it gives them something to look forward to," said Kathy Walton, a patient's grandmother, according to NBC10 News Philadelphia.

"It's tough for them. It's a lot. Just to bring joy to them one day and the smiles on their faces, it means everything to us," said Brian Cain of the Philadelphia Centurions Motorcycle Club to CBS News Philadelphia.

In addition to donating toys, the motorcycle club has also raised approximately $900,000 since the toy run began nearly three decades ago. The motorcycle club also reports that it has raised almost $90,000 this year for Shriners Children's Hospital.