By CJ Vetter © The Port Lavaca Wave
The Freeport to Port O’Connor Toy Run is once again seeking captains to help deliver toys across the Texas Gulf Coast; and this year, they’re looking to spread the seasonal cheer even further.
Held on Saturday, Dec. 7, the Freeport to Port O’Connor Toy Run tasks captains with delivering toys from Freeport to Port O’Connor. Starting at 9 a.m., boaters will embark from Surfside Marina and make a stop at Matagorda Harbor before joining in a parade at Port O’Connor. Boaters will then unload toys that have been collected by the nonprofit over the year and hand them over to local organizations such as Angel Tree, Blue Santa and Brown Santa, who will then give them to children in need of Christmas presents, explained organizer and board of directors’ member Chris Wolf.
“The Freeport to Port O’Connor toy run is a group of boaters that come together every year to collect toys and haul them down the intercoastal waterways and distribute them out to several different organizations in the area,” Wolf said. “We purchase toys with the money we raised, and all the boaters who come are encouraged to bring additional toys.”
This year, Wolf said, the group hopes to expand the program by delivering toys to a wider range of organizations across a larger area.
“We are expanding the area we want to impact,” Wolf said. “For a while now, Calhoun County has been the main benefactor of the toy run. We are now expanding into Brazoria County and Matagorda County and even Galveston County this year. This year, we raised enough money to help even more communities.”
Last year, Wolf said that despite difficulties early on, the trip finished strong and had a good turnout which he hopes will be topped by this year’s event.
“Last year’s toy run was a little slow with fog in the morning, so we postponed our departure time, but we had a pretty good turn out with 34 boats that made the trip,” Wolf said. “This year, we’re currently sitting at eight right now. But boaters always pile in at the last minute, and we’re expecting 20 plus boats.”
When on the water, Wolf explained that the event is full of good cheer and that those who participate often enjoy the experience. He also said it was a good time for friends to reconnect over the holidays and do something special for those in need.
“When they first started this 20 something years ago, it’s basically always been a party from Freeport to Port O’Connor. It’s a good time, we all hang out beforehand and fill up the harbor,” Wolf said. “It’s a celebration atmosphere. You get to meet new people, see old friends, and there’s just such a camaraderie. It’s always an enjoyable trip, and I’ve done it since 2011, and I’ve met some really great people and new fishing buddies. It’s a friendly atmosphere all the way.”
For information about the event, or to sign up for this year’s toy run, visit poctoyrun.net/2024-toy-run.
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