The first motorcycle toy run (TOY RUN 2000) was organized by Dennis and Christina Jarin, and held in October 2000.  The Ocean Township Policeman’s Benevolent Association Local 371 hosted it.  On that day 257 motorcycles lined up at the parking lot of the Sea Pine Inn (Waretown Plaza).  A commemorative pin was given to the first 300 registered participants.  Two Police motorcycles from Long Branch, one from Wall Township and one police car from Ocean Township escorted the ride through the Pines of Southern Ocean County.  The run ended at the Elks Lodge, Forked River where food and drinks were served.  Entertainment was provided by the Sly Caps, which were composed of four junior students from Southern Regional High School.  The Sly Caps played some Blues and Old time Rock and Roll to entertain the participants.

Over 300 toys along with some cash were collected from the day’s event.  A few weeks before Christmas, several families in need registered with the Ocean Township Police Department to receive toys for their children.  The money received was used to purchase additional toys to fill the list of toys needed especially for special needs kids.  The members of P.B.A. Local 371 distributed the toys to needy children residing in Ocean Township.  (see pictures)

The Ocean Township Policeman’s Benevolent Association also hosted TOY RUN 2001.  Two hundred eighty-six motorcycles attended the run, which was escorted by police motorcycles from Stafford Township, Tinton Falls, Long Branch, Little Silver, Township of Ocean and Wall Township escorted the ride.  The TOY RUN started and ended at the Sea Pine Inn (Waretown Plaza).  Shotsie’s Deli cooked the hamburgers and the hot dogs that were served to the participants.  The Sly Caps once again provided entertainment.

TOY RUN 2002, 2003, 2004 was hosted by St. Mary’s Parish, Barnegat after its organizers saw that through the Church they can reach out to a lot more needy children from the three Townships (Ocean, Barnegat and Stafford) covered by the Parish.

Registration began 10:30 a.m. at the Southern Regional High School parking lot, Route 9 Manahawkin.  Reverend Father Kenneth Tuzeneu said a prayer and blessed the participants and their motorcycles.  The run left the parking lot and traveled a 65 mile scenic route or the Pines escorted by police motorcycle units from Ocean, Monmouth, Atlantic, Burlington Counties and New Jersey State Police.

In 2005 the organizers with the help of Louis and Susan Serrao established the Toy Run Foundation, Inc. since the event continued to grow.  Because of the continued support from the motorcycle riders and the community, the Toy Run Foundation, Inc. provided toys to needy children through Saint Mary’s Parish from Ocean Township, Barnegat Township, Stafford Township, Veterans Haven, Fort Dix, Operation Santa Claus, Southern Ocean County Hospital Emergency Room and Community Medical Center Pediatric Ward and Emergency Room.