The Christmas season is at hand.
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Even though the big day is still 25 days away one event heralds the opening of the Christmas season in the Manning.
This will be the 26th toy ride in the Manning and up to some 200 are expected to take part.
The route this year is a tad different because of road works on Harrington Road.
The final destination is Hannam Vale. The only variation - bikes will be going on to Hannam Vale on the highway instead of turning off to Harrington. Bikes will leave Wingham under police escort at 11am and head through Taree out through Moorland via the airport.
Remember this is a TOY RIDE. If you are participating please make sure you bring along with you a Christmas gift or donation you can donate to the Hannam Vale Salvation Army for those who might find Christmas a lean time.
This is a wonderful annual event. Manning residents get out on the side of the road and give the riders a cheer and clap.
A very big well done to the Ulysses, Manning Valley Branch who work very hard organising the event, then making sure it runs like clockwork.
The Ulysses Club has a request for the giving public: less of the soft toys, and more of the things you’d give an older teenager.
“The older kids always seem to miss out,” Ulysses member Mick Simpson says.
Suggestions for gifts for teenagers include gift vouchers, jewellery, makeup, cosmetics, hats, bags, older board games, music vouchers, books and clothing.
“Basically anything you’d buy your own teenager,” Mick says.
Last year the toy run raised $5000 in donations and raffles, apart from the toys that were donated.
If you are unable to drop off donations to Wingham or Hannam Vale, you can arrange pick up of your donations this week by calling Mick on 0401 871 792.
The toy run usually helps about 350 families in the area.
The club wants to advise the motoring community of the tot run ahead of time.