About Nevada County Toy Run
It started with a few riders.
It grew into something much bigger.
What began as a small group of riders coming together to help local children has grown into one of Nevada County’s most enduring community traditions. More than three decades later, motorcycles and the people who ride them are still at the heart of Nevada County Toy Run — bringing together volunteers, businesses, donors, families, and community partners to support local children and families throughout the year.
Our story
Where It Started
In founder Thom Staser’s account, the idea for the Nevada County Toy Run began in 1991, when four motorcycle riders were talking under the South Auburn Street overpass about helping local children at Christmas.
Only a few weeks later, roughly 90 motorcycles took part in the first Toy Run, supporting children and families connected with Nevada County Head Start.
For approximately 30 years, Thom Staser organized and helped lead the Toy Run. More riders joined. Motorcycle clubs became part of the tradition. Local businesses, volunteers, sponsors, donors, and community organizations stepped in to help.
The scale has changed dramatically. The reason for riding has not.
The Riders & the Ride
The Nevada County Toy Run has always been about more than getting from one place to another.
For riders, the day starts long before the motorcycles begin moving. Hundreds — and sometimes thousands — of bikes gather at the Rood Center, as friends reconnect, motorcycle clubs and independent riders line up together, and the crowd continues to build.
Then, at noon, it’s KSU (Kickstands Up).
The procession rolls through Nevada City and Grass Valley, where families and spectators line the route before the riders continue to the Nevada County Fairgrounds. Seeing and hearing that seemingly endless line of motorcycles has become part of the holiday season.
Some riders have participated for decades. Others are experiencing the Toy Run for the first time. They ride together for the same reason: to help local children and families.
The motorcycles bring us together. The mission gives us a reason to ride.
From a Few Riders to a Nevada County Tradition
1991 — Four Riders, One Idea
Under the South Auburn Street overpass, four riders began talking about helping local children at Christmas. Among them was founder and longtime organizer Thom Staser.
The First Toy Run — About 90 Motorcycles
Only weeks later, roughly 90 motorcycles took part, helping children and families connected with Nevada County Head Start.
Three Decades of Leadership
For approximately 30 years, Thom organized and helped lead the Toy Run as participation grew into hundreds — and in some years, thousands — of motorcycles.
Today — More Than a Ride
The annual ride remains at the heart of NCTR. The support surrounding it now includes holiday gifts and groceries, A Ride For Hope, back-to-school assistance, and community partnerships.
“Every Child Will Have A Christmas... We Will Make Sure!”
Impact Today
What began with four riders and roughly 90 motorcycles now supports hundreds of Nevada County families each holiday season.
More Than a Ride
The Toy Run may happen in December, but the commitment to local children does not end when the motorcycles leave the Fairgrounds. Through A Ride For Hope and local partnerships, NCTR has expanded its work beyond the holidays.
NCTR direct contribution · 2026
Supporting back-to-school outreach
Through A Ride For Hope, Nevada County Toy Run provided resources to Hope for Nevada County to support its broader back-to-school effort.
600+pairs of shoes
100+backpacks
Manyschool supplies
Partner-reported event impact · 2026
Hope for Nevada County’s broader effort
Hope for Nevada County reported the following overall results for its 2026 event. These are partner-reported totals, not quantities supplied solely by NCTR.
1,200backpacks filled with school supplies
1,300pairs of shoes
2,500bags of groceries
3,000+attendees, plus free haircuts and family resources
What started as a Christmas ride has become a year-round commitment to Nevada County children and families.
Where Your Support Goes
Support reaches local families in practical ways, depending on the season and current community needs.
Christmas gifts, books & clothing
Items distributed primarily through the annual Toy Run to help children and families during the holiday season.
Holiday groceries
Food and meal support provided during the Toy Run.
Shoes
New shoes provided through back-to-school and community-support efforts.
Backpacks & school supplies
Helping local students start the school year with what they need.
Other local family support
Additional assistance provided when needs arise and resources allow.
Leadership & Governance
Nevada County Toy Run is volunteer-led, with a board of directors responsible for guiding the organization, protecting its mission, and making sure the resources entrusted to NCTR support local children and families.
Our Leadership
- Eric OliverPresident
- Shannon BuehlerVice President
- Chelci BuehlerChief Financial Officer
- Samantha TroySecretary
- Michael CurtisDirector
- Edward PeevyDirector
Transparency
We are committed to sharing clear information about our work and how community support helps local families.
Community Partners
Nevada County Toy Run has never done this work alone.
The Toy Run has grown because riders, volunteers, businesses, nonprofits, service organizations, and community groups continue to step up alongside us.
Back-to-school partnership
Hope for Nevada County
Through A Ride For Hope, NCTR contributes shoes, backpacks, and school supplies to Hope for Nevada County’s broader back-to-school effort.
Community partners work alongside NCTR. Our sponsors provide financial support; some organizations contribute in both ways.
Be Part of What Comes Next
What started with four riders has grown because people continue to show up.
Ride with us. Volunteer. Donate. Become a Sponsor.
Whether you arrive on two wheels or simply want to help, there is a place for you in the Nevada County Toy Run community.