In 2002, Barbie Hensler, along with her husband Billy, co-founded the High Country Chapter of A.B.A.T.E. of Arizona, a motorcycle rights and safety organization. Later that year she realized that they had an opportunity to make a difference in Rim Country and started an Annual Toy Run where area motorcyclists could help make Christmas a little better for local children of families that needed a bit of help.
Teaming up with The Women of the Moose from the Greater Payson Moose Lodge #852, who do all of the list making, list checking, and gift distribution, Barbie and the High Country Chapter set out to make her dream a reality.
Unfortunately, In 2011, just 2 days before that year’s toy run, Barbie passed away suddenly leaving a giant hole in our community.
Missing her greatly, the local motorcycle community, and The Women of the Moose, decided to continue the tradition of the toy run by naming it in her honor and working hard to ensure her goal of Christmas for every child in Rim Country continued on.
Now, after more than 2 decades helping families in need at Christmas, the Barbie Hensler Memorial Toy Drive has grown to be one of, if not the largest, toy drives in all of Rim Country. Relying on a large team of volunteers and local businesses to collect the toys and money necessary to ensure success, the Toy Drive is now being run entirely by the Greater Payson Moose Lodge #852 as the High Country Chapter of A.B.A.T.E. of Arizona has relocated to Show Low and now runs a separate Toy Drive in that area.
Please help us make Christmas special for every child in Rim Country by donating a new, unwrapped, toy or gift for a child, ages toddler to teenager, of a family that needs a bit of help at Christmas time. Money for special gifts and food cards for the families is also accepted.
