Childhood Christmas memories seem to stick for a lifetime, and Hank Stacy wants to help more children have memories of something good.

That’s why Stacy for the past three years has coordinated a bike ride and auction to benefit Toys for Tots.

On Sunday, which has been declared “Toys for Tots Sunday” in the city of Hinesville, Stacy and volunteers will host the run again in the hopes of spreading holiday cheer to struggling families.

Participants may use any street-legal vehicle in the run, which will begin at noon at the Liberty County Recreation Department on Highway 84. Admission for riders is either an unwrapped toy donation or $10.

“It’s a good cause, and I like that I can put my hand on that — that I know it’s helping locally,” Stacy said. “With this, I know every dime of it goes to the purchase of the toys.”

Stacy said he loves the Christmas season. It brings back memories of his own childhood and of good times with his four children, ages 13-28.

“That’s a special time for a kid,” he said. “I remember a lot of the toys I got when I was a kid.”

Last year’s event raised about $3,800 for Toys for Tots.

But the bike run is about more than just meeting a fundraising goal. It’s also about bringing people together for a good time.

With a lot of help from his niece, Kelly Clotz, Stacy recruits riders, volunteers, donated supplies and auction items using his local networks as the owner of Liberty Propane.

An auction will follow the run with items including golf packages, goody bags, antique collectible Barbie dolls and restaurant gift certificates.

As a member of the United Way’s planning committee for the annual Toys for Tots campaign, Stacy also helps each year with the group’s parade float for the illuminated Christmas parade, which is Dec. 9 in downtown Hinesville.

But Stacy insists he’s no hero — just one of many who care about making Christmas better for
children.

“There are a ton of volunteers that contribute to this,” he said. “It wouldn’t happen without all of them.”