KIHEI — Like everything else, COVID-19 altered the annual Maui Toys 4 Tots Motorcycle Toy Run at the Azeka Shopping Center in Kihei this year.

Gone were the hundreds of motorcyclists traveling to Kihei and gathering at the center, along with the festivities that followed in the center’s parking lot.

But not gone was the holiday and giving spirit, as organizers Street Bikers United Hawaii – Maui Chapter pivoted and conducted a drive-thru event instead. Individual motorcycles, motorcycle clubs, classic cars and the general public pulled up in their vehicles steadily for three hours Sunday morning. They dropped off unwrapped toys and or cash donations for the Toys for Tots program which is presented by the United States Marine Corps Reserve in partnership with the Salvation Army of Maui County.

“It has been busy,” said volunteer Brad Zoppi, who rides with Mana Souls motorcycle club.

Zoppi, who was volunteering for the first time, was walking up to cars with his mask on to accept the donations.

Around two hours into the three-hour event, Jackie Foster, the secretary of Street Bikers United Hawaii — Maui Chapter who coordinates the events, said they will probably meet the same numbers of donations as last year.

“This is right on par, it really is,” she said, adding that last year was their biggest year.

Toys will also be given to those on Molokai and in Hana.

Foster said on average they may collect 2,000 to 3,000 toys at the motorcycle-run event and another 2,000 to 3,000 from other toy drives.

They also raise $15,000 to $20,000 on average in donations.

Volunteer Athena Walsh, who has been helping out for at least six years, said the U.S. Coast Guard also helps with transporting the toys to Molokai.

Walsh said at first she was “a little worried” on how this year’s drive would go with COVID-19 and the lagging economy, but was pleased with the support.

Donors on Sunday also were given a free loco moco from Nalu’s South Shore Grill and children who donated a toy were treated to goodie bags.

Foster said they would get close to giving out the around 400 loco mocos by the end of the drive at noon.

Bikers from Mana Souls club were also along the roadway getting cash donations via long fishing nets for social distancing.

Cody Gaede said someone even threw a $100 bill into his net.

There was also a truck show with Intense Motorsports Maui and a roving Santa Claus and elf.

Sponsors also include Minit Stop, Kimokeo Foundation, Aloha Meals, Pacific Cancer Foundation, Safeway and ekolu kitchen1279.

Donations can still be made at mauitoys4tots.org.

* Melissa Tanji can be reached at mtanji@mauinews.com.