"I became a member this year. Its my first time riding in the parade and I loved it. I will be back every year!"    
Gwen F.

"After making the run safely we arrived at the Marine Corp Depot and were greeted with, what appeared to be, GREASE on the asphalt!  What the hell was that?"
Johnny O.

"Read the report on this year's parade and wanted to convey that, very likely, many of us who have been past participants, including our small group from North Maywood, also monitored the weather up until Saturday and made a regretful but individually valid decision not to participate based on what we judged to be the relative risk vs. the understandably valuable goal.  Our decision was based on what we know from our training and discussions about proficient and safe riding, not only for ourselves but the hazard we may have posed to other riders and drivers.  The bottom line was precipitation and hazardous road conditions, salt piles etc., getting to and from the parade route.  Kudos to the "die-hards".  We're not "fair weather only" riders, but everyone has their own threshold of acceptable risk in an inherently risky pastime.  We'll be back.   Kind Regards and Christmas Peace to all." 
O.J. and riding buddies.

"Thank you, you've done an outstanding job and for your dedication in organizing the event.  I was a little disappointed myself on the outcome, being that this was my first time actually being involved in the committee and road blocking after 6 years of being a rider in the parade.  Keep up the good work and may the Lord bless you."
Duke/Nina C.

"Well, this is the 2nd year I rode in the toy run out here in Las Vegas sponsored by the Ironcrossmen MC. There were over 1000 bikes this year, more so than the last two. This is a smaller riding community than Chicago, but none the same it was really great. Unfortunately, it's not the same type of crowd. This one is run by ONE motorcycle club. All clubs wear colors, however, there is lots of animosity because of the territory out here, and who runs the city. Sort of biker mafia which over hangs the day of the event. Scares lots of Citizens away, both bikers & non.  I sure miss the Chicagoland toy run, I miss my friends, and I miss the camaraderie of everyone participating. Of course I miss DogKiller & Johnny, my two best riding buddies of all times.  And Jack Wheeler for dragging my ass to my very first TFT meeting.   Those were the days.   All of my love to everyone,"
Rebel Ruthi

"Hi Guys,  Great work this year!  All volunteers did an incredible job.  Thank you, God bless, and Merry Christmas.  Please add my business' name to the list of TFT drop off sites.  I have an official TFT box at my Oak Park location and am even offering a raffle of prizes for toy donators:  The Competitive Foot, 102 N. Marion, Oak Park, IL  Thanks and see you next year"
Todd E.

"Had a wonderful time on the 4th!  Despite the weather it was a blast."
Laura S.

"Great Web Site, Always detailed and up-to-date, and lastly a quick Thank you to Northside Animal!  If it wasn't for you I wouldn't have been doing TFT Parade's for the last 13 years.  Now I finally have a license, I can hopefully ride by the 29th or 30th annv. BY MYSELF! :)"  
Susan

"Thanks for all the work the volunteers put in.  It's always so great to participate in the parade, (...no matter what the weather).  The kids deserve it and the people we meet are great"
Joseph G.

Obtaining Toys

Many families ask about how to obtain toys for their children.  The thing to remember about obtaining toys is that the Marines do not give toys directly to children or families.  They are not equipped to do that.  The Marines and The Chicago TFT Parade Organization give the toys to neighborhood groups such as local churches, schools, hospitals, the DCFS, Catholic Charities, The Community Chest and other similar organizations.  Those looking for toys must contact one of these groups to obtain toys.

Archived 
Updates

#67
Dec. 8. 2005

#66
Dec. 3. 2005

#65
Nov.. 2005

#64
Nov.. 2005

#63
Oct.. 2005

#62
Sept. 2005

#61
June. 2005

#60
May. 2005

#59
Mar. 2005

#58
Feb..5 2005

#57
Jan..4 2005

More archived updates here