The 26th Annual Chicagoland
Toys for Tots Motorcycle Parade
9:30am  Sunday, December 7, 2003
The Dan Ryan Woods - 83rd Street and Western Avenue

The USMCR Toys for Tots Program needs toys for all children, from infants to teenagers, but we especially need gifts for young girls between the ages of 10 and 14, so please keep them in mind when you're shopping for toys. Batteries are also needed, so if your gift uses them, please include extra batteries with your gift, or consider giving a box of batteries as your gift.  Remember that we want to discourage the donation of stuffed, plush animals because they bring many health problems with them. Instead, consider donating sports equipment, games, books, dolls, toy vehicles, crafts, etc.  And remember, do NOT gift wrap your gifts.

The newest addition to the Parade Product line-up is the 2003 Chicago TFT Motorcycle Parade Christmas Ornament. This custom, limited edition, glass ornament will look great on your tree, or displayed by itself.  It features the full color Chicago TFT Parade patch on a solid white globe.  Be sure to get the first Parade Ornament now, because rumors say this may be the first in a series of Chicago Parade Ornaments.  See the 2003 Chicago TFT Motorcycle Parade Ornament on the Product Page at http://chicagolandtft.org/products-two.htm .

Tickets are now available for the 2004 Chicago TFT Motorcycle Parade Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Raffle. This year's Grand Prize will be a 2004 Harley-Davidson Electra Glide. Other prizes will include a $500 leather jacket from Oak Lawn Harley-Davidson, a $200 Oak Lawn Harley-Davidson gift certificate, and 3 Official Chicago TFT Parade jackets. Tickets are only $5 each and the drawing will be held at Oak Lawn Harley-Davidson on March 13, 2004. Tickets can be obtained from any Parade Volunteer or send ticket requests to info@ChicagolandTFT.org .  For more information on the raffle go to  http://chicagolandtft.org/products.htm .

The Radisson Hotel-Alsip, at 5000 West 127th Street in Alsip, Illinois, is supporting The Chicago TFT Motorcycle Parade by offering a preferred room rate for bikers who would like to stay with them the night before The Parade.  Be sure to ask for "The Special Toys for Tots Motorcycle Parade Rate" and your stay will cost only $75, and The Radisson will contribute $10 back to The TFT Parade.  The Radisson is located near Cicero Avenue and 127th Street, approximately 10-15 minutes from The Dan Ryan Woods, and has a security-patrolled parking lot.  Their phone number is 708-371-7300 or click here http://www.radisson.com/alsipil .

Sunday, November 23rd is Toys for Tots Poster Day on Western Avenue.  On Sunday, November 23rd we will be distributing TFT Parade posters to businesses, homes, and offices along the entire Parade route, Western Avenue from 9500 South to 5400 North.  All new Chicago TFT Volunteers are required to participate in this important and fun-filled event, and all veteran members are also welcome to join in.  Meet at Pindos Restaurant, at Archer and Pulaski, for breakfast, then leave for Western Avenue at 10am.  Call Cooch for more details, 773-581-5658.

Thanksgiving Day morning come out to "The Rock", the monument dedicated to commemorate the World's first motor vehicle race to Evanston and back.  Come out see the many custom and antique cars and motorcycles, and meet Bill Wildt from "Motorsports Unlimited".  "The Rock" is located just off the southwest corner of The Museum of Science and Industry, at 57th Street and Lake Shore Drive, just look for the big crowd.  Arrive between 8am and 9am, leave about Noon.  For more info on the first motor race go here http://www.hfmgv.org/exhibits/showroom/1896d/race.html .

Come to Chicago Ridge for Leroy and Crazy Joe's Annual TFT Parade Party on Saturday, November 29.  Everyone is invited to The Glenn Maker American Legion Post at 10739 South Ridgeland Avenue.  Admission is free, if you bring a new toy to donate, or 10 American Dollars if you come toyless.  There will be lots of raffle prizes, a pot luck dinner, a cash bar, and live entertainment.   Help the kids and have a great time doing it.  Starts at 7pm and ends around Midnight.

Any Parade Volunteer who worked at the 2002 Chicago TFT Parade and has not yet received their 2003 patch and/or rocker should see Tier Coordinator Tommy Rotto.

The Chicago TFT Parade Warehouse will be open on Friday, November 28 from 7-10pm. Come out and get your 2003 Parade pins, shirts, and jackets while supplies last.  

The Chicagoland TFT Motorcycle Parade TV Show continues on Chicago Cable Channel 21 every Monday night at 6:30pm, right up to Christmas.  Join Mark and Cooch as they answer questions and spread the word about The Parade and Parade activities.  Tune in and call in at 6:30 on Monday nights.  

Here are a few of the official TFT Toy Drop-off Locations.   More locations will be listed in the next Parade News Update.

The 2003 Chicagoland Toys for Tots Motorcycle Parade 
will be dedicated to the memory of Ed Johnson.