St. Luke’s Pediatrics is again the recipient of a toy donation from Tucker’s Toy Run, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary.

The ride honors the memory and celebrates the life of Tucker Stuart, who died in a motorcycle accident in 2011,

Friends and family of Stuart donate toys to the pediatric patients of St. Luke’s University Health Network (SLUHN).

The inaugural event included fewer than 100 bikers.

This year, more than 600 riders are expected to participate Nov. 7.

According to organizer Rick Nauman of Lehigh Valley Community Benefit, riders gather at 10 a.m. Nov. 7, Tri-Boro Sportsmen Club, Northampton.

Kickstands go up at noon when the bikers, escorted by fire and police vehicles, head to St. Luke’s University Hospital - Bethlehem to drive past the hospital at approximately 12:30 p.m.

“The feeling when the bikers come by is so tremendous,” said Pat Gubich, RN, CPN, Patient Care Manager, Pediatrics at St. Luke’s.

Gubich, who has been part of the project from the beginning, said, “Hearing the roar of the bikes is so exciting. It never gets old!”

The toys have been placed in cribs at the hospital. Because of coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic protocol, toys will be presented at Tri-Boro Sportsmen Club the morning of the event. St. Luke’s employees will distribute the toys to pediatric patients throughout the Network, including the new Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU).

“Being admitted to the hospital can be overwhelming for anyone, especially a child. These gifts make the children feel comfortable and their experience a little less scary,” said Gubich. “St. Luke’s Pediatrics is incredibly grateful to be the recipient of this donation for 10 years and looks forward to partnering with this organization for many years to come.”

Information: Tucker’s Toy Run, Lehigh Valley Community Benefit and the 2020 event ticket sale for a chance to win a motorcycle or cash prize: www.lvcb.org

Information: St. Luke’s Pediatrics: www.sluhn.org/pediatrics