Local Family, Community Gather Gifts in Toy Run

by Jonathan Weaver

Two weeks before Thanksgiving, Steve and Amy Stiller are already planning Christmas donations.

Held November 11 this year, the Stiller Family met with friends and fellow riders at the Scrubgrass Village OHV Park in Templeton and went for a ride on their all-terrain vehicles, raising thousands of dollars to buy toys, coats and boots for needy children.

“It started about 18 years ago in the back of our house with about 20 riders and it turned into a huge thing over the years. We had about 1,000 riders show up this past toy run, Steve said.

“It’s basically for us to get together one day at the end of the year just to have a ride, but it also benefits a good cause.”

That ride generated about $3,600 to buy coats and boots just for Armstrong County Children and Youth and Community Action. Materials were bought at the Butler JCPenney.

“We’re raising more than $20,000 in toys, coats, gloves, hats, boots – all that stuff and putting it in the local community – that’s a large amount,” Steve said.

Because of safety, Jeep riders weren’t able to participate in November, and they felt left out, according to Park Owners Frank and Georgia Garmong. So, instead of waiting until next Christmas, the Stillers are going to hold another run with those riders included this Sunday at the Templeton park.

This weekend’s event will benefit Parents Anonymous – Ford City, Tarentum, Apollo and Kittanning and The Bradley Center in Pittsburgh, which works with children and adolescents suffering from severe psychological and emotional trauma.

Entry will cost $20 in cash, a new toy worth $20, or a new coat worth $20. Steve said riders have brought in garbage bags full of toys or $100 bicycles as their donation.

“The economy’s tough, so there are a lot of families that need (the donations) more than ever. We’re blessed we can help and continue it,” Steve said. “It’s positive for the community.

“I don’t have a goal, but it just keeps growing. I know for a fact it’s the largest toy run on this side of the Mississippi (River),” Steve said.

Residents from the tri-county region also come just for the warm food, based on cook Scott Ortman and his family serving nearly $1,000 meatball hoagies last month. Hamburgers, hot dogs and rigatoni are also to be available.

Chris Rupp of New Bethlehem and his two children – five-year-old Keihin and eight-year-old Emmaleigh – will ride their dirtbikes at the event Sunday and has already purchased their donations. The family regularly donates to the toy runs and met the Stiller Family through the American Woods Racing Championship Series.

“We enjoy riding. It’s a great family sport and the toy run is a great opportunity for families to come together. It’s good all-around family fun,” Rupp said.

Frank Garmong has also bought coats for Sunday and praised Steve and Amy for their contributions to making ride preparations only a month after the initial run.

“They really are hard workers – they’re pushers,” Frank said. “They’re a wonderful family.”

The Stillers were equally appreciative the Garmongs opened up the 1,250-acre park for riders.

“Without a place to have the toy run, we couldn’t do what we do,” Amy said.

Left-over donations will be given to the local Salvation Army.

The event has grown over the past 16 years, where it used to be held at Pine Hill in Natrona Heights before the family moved to Kittanning.

Amy and Chris’ wife, Shannon, will be collecting donations and have riders sign safety waivers at the gate. Gates will open at 9AM

A Kittanning #6 Ambulance emergency medical technician is to be on stand-by.