The 2,000 or so Harley riders can’t get onto the hospital grounds this year, with the on-going construction, so they won’t make their traditional trek.

But they are still collecting toys.

With construction going on at Children’s Hospital of Orange County, it would be tough for the bikers to swarm there and drop off toys for this Christmas. They usually motor north from an Irvine dealership with the toys.

Still, the Orange Coast Harley Owner Group Chapter wanted to keep going with this charity event that has a 15-year tradition and one year took 30,000 toys to the hospital, said the group’s director, Carlos de Falla.

This year, with less flamboyance, the toys will be trucked to the hospital.

“It’s the best we can do under the circumstances,” de Falla said.

Harley-Davidson Orange County, the group’s partner in the toy drive, is collecting toys at its dealership at 8677 Research Drive in Irvine up until Dec. 24.

This year, on Christmas Eve, all of the toys that are collected will be trucked to the hospital, at 455 S. Main St.

Some will be distributed to boys and girls before Christmas morning, said Emily Grankowski, child life manager at the hospital. Others toys will be placed in storage.

“Nobody misses out on Christmas when they are here,” she said.

Said de Falla, the Harley group’s director: “It’s a great deal of satisfaction to know [with] a small toy you hope to make a dent in the life of a kid who is less fortunate.”

Not only does the toy drive allowed the hospital to put a bag of three or four presents under the bed of each child for Christmas morning, but it also provides the majority of the toys the hospital gives to patients year-round, Grankowski said.

Boys and girls who undergo surgery or procedures are given toys afterward as a reward and a temporary distraction from being stuck in bed. The toys are also used in therapy to help children work on their motor and sensory skills, Grankowski said.

Last year, 2,000 Harley bike owners rode to the hospital.

“Even though the ride isn’t happening, the hospital is still here and needs the community’s support,” Grankoswki said.

Many of the toys will come in Saturday at Harley-Davidson Orange County, when those who donate will get a free pancake breakfast in return from 9 to 11 a.m.

Michelle Spoonhower, 34, of Corona knows about the toy drive.  In December 2006, her 8-year-old son Bailey was in the hospital for treatment for rhabdomyosarcoma, a form of cancer often found in children.

“I thought it was absolutely amazing that the [Harley owners] care that much,” she said.

Spoonhower and her family never stayed in the hospital over Christmas Eve, but she believes that the toys must be extremely helpful for the parents who can’t get away.

“It’s great to know your child will have presents in the morning and to not have to worry about it,” she said.

Spoonhower’s son had a catheter installed in an artery in his heart. After the procedure, the boy was amazed to find a Transformer action figure on his bed.

“That little toy makes it all better,” she said.

– Daniel Langhorne

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