COEUR d'ALENE — Christmas is coming a little early this year for the kids at Children's Village.

The Kootenai chapter of American Bikers Aiming Toward Education of North Idaho, known as ABATE, will be on the road Saturday for its 26th annual Toy Run to collect toys from donation bins at area Super 1s and deliver them to Children's Village residents.

Santa and Mrs. Claus will lead the ride, which will depart at 11 a.m. from Lawrence's Motorcycles, 1704 N. Government Way in Coeur d'Alene. Registration is free and begins at 9:30 a.m.

"You see these tough bikers and they're on these big motorcycles and they're wearing leather because they want to protect themselves when they're on the road," said Dave Cazel, the Idaho State representative for the Motorcycle Riders Foundation. "They show up with a toy and they hand it to a child, it brings tears to their eyes."

Cazel and ABATE of North Idaho coordinator Dan Ertz said the event is not limited to those who ride motorcycles. The entire community is invited to don a Santa hat and participate in the Toy Run, which also includes a chili lunch at Coeur d'Alene Powersports on Seltice Way.

"We have a mission. We believe sincerely that we should be doing charitable acts," Ertz said, adding that it is critical to support the uprooted youths so they can lead happy, normal lives.

"It's very humbling," Cazel said. "These children, they're foster children. They're outside their families. To be able to help them have a more joyous season — that's our legacy, the children."

Donations bins are at the Coeur d'Alene, Hayden, Post Falls and Rathdrum Super 1 stores. Toy suggestions include interactive learning toys for toddlers, such as puzzles, games, stacking blocks and books; superhero toys, Ninja Turtles and Legos for boys; interactive games, bracelet and jewelry kits and dolls for girls; interactive "rainy day" projects, science experiments, painting, crafts and Play-Doh for group activities; and curling irons and straighteners for teenage girls. Cash donations are also welcome.

Info: [email protected]