Waterford — The crowd could hear them before they saw them.

Hundreds of bikers roared into Camp Harkness just after 1 p.m. Sunday, forming a line of motorcycles and black leather that stretched along the camp’s walkways.

The bikers formed an orderly line, ready to donate stuffed animals, toys and gift cards at the 36th annual Motorcycle Gift Run, which begins each year at the Waterford Speedbowl and benefits the Department of Developmental Services in Southeastern Connecticut and the Camp Harkness Fund.

Jim and Candy Costello of Waterford, dressed as Santa and Mrs. Claus, led the bikers through Waterford and onto the camp property.

Michelle Drake of Ledyard was there with her 16-year-old son Sky, who is autistic.

“We don’t miss a year,” Drake said. “It’s a non-judgmental environment for all of us.”

Sky picked up a present and told Santa — played, as usual, by Jim Costello — what he wants for Christmas.

Because he doesn’t like to go to the mall, Drake said the Gift Run is the only time Sky meets Santa during the holiday season.

A stuffed cat with big blue eyes peeked out from Waterford biker Lance Lynch’s leather jacket.

“Molly,” he said, pointing to the cat’s nametag. He picked up the cat at WalMart, with some help from his 4-year-old granddaughter.

Lynch said charity events like the Gift Run help dispel motocyclists' reputations as tough guys.

“We all come together and chip in to help,” he said.

Costello and his wife, Candy, stood at the door and greeted the bikers with handshakes and a jolly “Merry Christmas” to each one — never mind that Sunday was only the first day of November.

Later the couple posed for pictures with a long line of eager participants.

Inside, bikers, kids, parents and volunteers ate donuts and drank coffee and hot chocolate from Dunkin’ Donuts. Tables filled up with Legos, toy trucks, stuffed animals, dolls and even a bicycle.

The attendees picked up presents for themselves — the remaining gifts will be sorted and distributed by case managers and social workers to those in need before Christmas.

Lindy Webbe of Redding brought her daughter, Edi, to the event. Edi got four donuts — a special treat for the early Christmas celebration.

“We’ll be back next year for sure,” Webbe said. “It’s really cute.”

m.shanahan@theday.com

Twitter: @martha_shan