Santa Claus with Housing Assistance's Anne Van Vleck and Catherine Baker

COVID may have forced the cancellation of many events this year, but it couldn’t stop more than 40 motorcyclists from participating in the 21st Annual Chris Wetherbee Memorial Toy Run at the beginning of November.

Over $2,000 worth of toys were donated to the Community Action Committee of Cape Cod & Islands that will be distributed to children of families in need, including Housing Assistance clients, this holiday season.

“This is my favorite ride of the year because it goes to help the kids,” said Heather Baldic of Falmouth.

Participants also raised $1,514 that went to support our housing programs. “Some of you are local. Some of you came from off-Cape. Some of you came from Maine and New Hampshire,” said Tammy Baptiste. “Thank you. I am so very touched by all of your support.”

Motorcyclists participating in the 21st Annual Chris Wetherbee Memorial Toy Run.

Tammy has taken over the responsibility of organizing the toy run from her father Joe Wetherbee and his wife Clarissa. Now in its 32nd year, the toy run was renamed in honor of Joe’s first wife, Christina Wetherbee, in 1999. The following spring, Christina died of cancer and the run has been held in her memory ever since.