Santa Girls promote Toy & Food Run

What began on a whim as a novel way to promote the DuKane Chapter of ABATE of Illinois' annual Toy & Food Run, being held this year on Sunday, Oct. 9, has snowballed into an entity unto itself.

The DuKane Santa Girls are now a staple of the motorcycling community in northern Illinois and points beyond.

"It all started about four years ago," said Sara Elliott, the group's coordinator and a founding member of the Santa Girls.

"Three of us had gone out together and were just kidding around, thinking of ways to promote the Toy & Food Run. Next thing you know, we went over to a local party supply store and picked up some female 'Santa's helper' costumes.

"We began showing up at events, handing out Toy & Food Run fliers. Before long people began asking if they could take pictures with us."

That's when the Santa Girls began to take on a life of their own.

"At first, people weren't sure whether the Santa Girls would be, you know, family-appropriate. But once people got to know us and what we're about, we began to get requests for appearances," Elliott said.

The DuKane Santa Girls make appearances year-round at a variety of events, most of which are motorcycle-oriented. But they have never lost sight of their original mission - to actively promote the annual Toy & Food Run, which the motorcycle rights organization always holds the second Sunday in October.

This year's run is scheduled from 12:30 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 9, starting at Knuckleheads Tavern, 108 E. North St., Elburn, and ending with a party at the Batavia VFW, 645 S. River St., Batavia.

It costs $10 to participate, plus a new, unwrapped toy or nonperishable food item.

There are now 10 Santa Girls who rotate in groups of two to four, depending on the size and duration of the event. They range in age from teenagers to 40-somethings.

"We have no age restrictions," Elliott said. "All we require is a friendly demeanor, a positive attitude and a genuine desire to promote the Toy & Food Run. This is what we are all about."

Fans and followers of the DuKane Santa Girls can stay updated on their appearances and promotions via their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/DuKane-Santa-Girls.