Thousands of bikers bring toys to Upstate in annual motorcycle Anderson Toy Parade

For nearly 40 minutes, an unbroken chain of motorcycles rode past the Anderson Mall, each carrying toys for kids.

The toys end up helping at least 350 families each year, and many of the families have several children, said Robert "Little Man" Fagg, of the Confederates Motorcycle Club, which helps to lead to the Anderson Toy Parade.

The parade was launched 41 years ago by Fagg and a former Independent Mail sports writer, Jack Hurley, and it has been a work of decades for motorcycle riders.

More: BCF has been Confederates' mission of 37 years

Toy parades are fairly common and always worthwhile since they help children, said Jimmy Highhouse, who lives in Lyman.

But the Anderson one is one to make every year since it is so big that it stands out, he said.

Highhouse and his wife, Angela, wrestled large white stuffed animals from the netting on back of their motorcycle after parking following their ride in the parade.

The rest of the parade was still rumbling behind them.

Fagg said the parade raises money too, with T-shirt and food sales and the money and donations go to support local children as well as the Brighter Christmas Fund. The fund is allocated through AIM, the former Anderson Interfaith Ministries organization.

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Mike Ellis lives in Powdersville and tells South Carolina stories with a focus on Anderson County and Pickens County along with faith and investigations. He's always looking for the next story that people need to read, please send any tips or feedback to mellis@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on Anderson Independent Mail: Annual Anderson Toy Parade supports Brighter Christmas Fund