For more than 20 years, the George Lipscomb Memorial Toy Ride was held in Montgomery and Gasconade counties as numerous motorcycles travel on Highway 19 from City Hall in Montgomery City to the Hermann Eagles Hall.

The event has generated thousands of dollars that will help bring joy and hope to children during the holiday season. The money is divided equally into two organizations, Youth In Need in Montgomery City and Hermann Area Community Christmas.

This year’s event raised $6,000. Youth In Need and Hermann Area Community Christmas each received $3,000. Both organizations recently got their checks from Lipscomb Toy Ride committee members.

Kandy Worley, who is one of the committee members, presented the check to the Youth In Need staff on Dec. 3. The Lipscomb Toy Ride committee has been donating to Youth In Need since 2004.

“The reason why we chose Youth In Need is because they have Head Start there,” Worley said. “We know that they do a lot not only for kids, but all the way through adolescents and teenagers. We knew that was going to be a great cause to give our money to.”

Merlin and JoAnn Cramer, who are also committee members, presented the check to the Hermann Area Community Christmas. The committee has been giving money to Hermann Area Community Christmas since 2002.

“We decided to give our money to the Hermann Area Community Christmas because they also have an organization in Hermann that gives to the most neediest kids and families,” Worley said. “We also wouldn’t necessarily know who the families were. They could remain anonymous to us who receive the money.”

The Lipscomb Toy Ride wrapped up its 23rd year on Nov. 3. It is named after a motorcycle enthusiast who passed away in 2004.

Registration starts at Montgomery City Hall. Eagle Hall, located just five blocks from the Hermann Riverfront, serves chili and hot dogs to the motorcyclists.

This year’s event had just 57 motorcycles that participated under rainy conditions.

“In the past, we had almost 400 motorcycles,” Worley said. “In the past, we made almost $10,000. But, hey, I felt like we did pretty good for a day. I think we did a good thing for the community. If we didn’t do it, Youth In Need wouldn’t have had that extra money. It makes our heart feel good to donate to something worthwhile. It goes to the children and community.”

The Lipscomb Toy Ride committee also thanked other organizations such as Missouri Highway Patrol, Missouri County Sheriff’s Department, Montgomery City Police Department, New Florence fire and police departments, the Big Spring Fire Department and Peoples Saving Bank for their support of the event since it first started in 2002.