TRACY — For the past 25 years, the Lyon County Toys 4 Tots Fun Run has had the same mission, which is to make Christmas better for local children and families in need. As riders get set to take part in the 26th annual Fun Run on Saturday, that ultimate purpose remains pivotal.

“The whole thing is about the kids,” said Pam Cooreman, who is the event co-chair along with her twin sister, Tam Schons.

Last year, the local Toys 4 Tots Fun Run collected and was able to donate $14,000, along with a lot of toys, to various organizations in the area. A check for $10,000 was donated to Lyon County Heart to Heart.

“We’re one of Heart to Heart’s biggest contributors for a one-day event,” Cooreman said. “They count on us.”

While the mission is constant, the Fun Run and activities afterward tend to change every year. The organizers said that the participants prefer riding on different routes every year. It’s only fair to select different businesses for the stopping points as well, they said.

“We try to change it so it’s something different every year,” Cooreman said.

Fun Run participants will be taking part in Duffy’s Triple Stop challenge for 2018.

“We’re trying something different this year,” Cooreman said. “Duffy’s has four bars — in Montevideo, Redwood Falls, Windom and Glenwood. If people stop at three of them (on the same day), they get to put their name in the drawing for some really nice gifts. It’s the first time we’ve done something like this.”

Cooreman said some of the past riders had suggested longer routes and fewer stops, so this year’s itinerary caters to that desire.

“Some people want to ride more and stop at less bars,” she said. “So they have the option to do that. Riders can also do a smaller loop if that’s what they prefer to do.”

Some of the top prizes in the Duffy’s drawing include six Vikings tickets in the lower level and several $1,000 gift cards.

“I guess people love to do the Triple Stop thing,” Cooreman said. “Duffy’s gives away a bunch of stuff. People also get T-shirts when they participate. It’s a fun thing for people to do.”

Last year, Cooreman said nearly 300 riders were part of the Lyon County Toys 4 Tots Fun Run.

“It’s rain or shine and you don’t have to have a motorcycle,” she said. “You can ride in any kind of vehicle. And all of the Duffy’s stops have food available.”

Along with Duffy’s Good Time Saloon (Montevideo), Duffy’s Riverside Saloon (Redwood Falls), Duffy’s Bar and Grill (Windom) and Duffy’s Roadhouse (Glenwood), JJ’s Bar and Grill in Danube is slated as one of the designated stops, though food is not available at JJ’s.

Water will also be handed out to riders.

“I’m also the youth coordinator for Modern Woodmen and one of our service projects is handing out water to the bikers,” Cooreman said. “It’s a good experience because the kids can learn what Heart to Heart is about and it’ll be fun for them to see all the bikes.”

While riders can register and start at any of the Duffy’s locations on this year’s route, organizers anticipate that the majority will begin in Amiret. Registration is from 9:30-10:45 a.m. at the Roaring Lyons Clubhouse, with kick-stands up at 11 a.m. sharp.

The cost of the ride is $15 per person along with the donation of a toy. After leaving Amiret, the toys will be dropped off to Heart to Heart volunteers at The Varsity Pub in Marshall.

The route will eventually lead back to The Caboose in Tracy, where riders will have the opportunity to enjoy a hog roast, a silent and live auction and evening entertainment. The entertainment — courtesy of DJ Dan Isaackson — and pork feed are part of the $15 registration fee. Cash and door prizes will also be given away. The activities at The Caboose are scheduled to begin between 6-6:30 p.m.

Cooreman said this year’s donations will go to several different organizations, though the bulk of the financial support will be to the Lyon County Heart to Heart organization again. She said she anticipates that the need will be bigger this year.

“It’s more important this year than any other year because of all the flooding, devastation and stress people have,” Cooreman said. “I think Christmastime is going to be challenging for a lot of families because people have had to spend a lot of money on their houses. So people will probably be using the services more than usual. It’s nice that everything stays local.”

Since the route stretches into Chippewa County (Montevideo stop) and Cottonwood County (Windom stop), $500 will be donated to both the Spirit of Christmas organization and the Christmas Cheer Box.

The Murray County Christmas Project and Redwood County’s Share the Spirit organization will each receive $1,000 since they neighbor the Tracy area.

Along with Tracy FFA, small donations are also made to the fire departments of Tracy and Marshall because they provide traffic control as the rider travel from Amiret to Marshall.

“Years ago, you could have anybody block the streets, but now you have to have someone who is certified, like someone from the fire department,” Cooreman said. “And people have to pay to be certified, so it’s one of the expenses we incur for having the Run.”