CLAY COUNTY, Fla. -- The Vietnam Veterans of Clay County ran into a speed bump in the form of insurance as they prepared for a decades-long tradition of hosting a motorcycle ride to collect toys and money for Toys 4 Tots.

The annual Toys For Tots motorcycle ride takes place along Highway 17. Organizers said they've never had a problem getting a permit until recently.

Organizers of the event were revved up on Tuesday that their club's motorcycle ride to help underprivileged kids was almost canceled.

"It shouldn't be this hard to do something nice. It really shouldn't," said one organizer.

The annual ride hosted by Vietnam Veterans Motorcycle Club helps benefit the J.P. Hall Charities, which gives Christmas gifts to needy family. However, for the first time in 23 years, organizers hit a snag when the Clay County Commission Chairman George Bush wanted the group to pay for a liability insurance policy.

"When you're having a toy ride like this, motorcycles throughout the county, the potential for a crash a claim is pretty significant. We require these whether it's motorcycles or bicycles or whatever," Bush said.

Organizers said the policy would cost about $1,000, which they said they could not afford.

"Most people bring us a new, unwrapped toy, valued at $10 or above. So, we do not do a lot in cash," said organizer Joseph Roh.

"Taking money off the top is just that many more children that won't get a toy on Christmas. To me, it's just wrong," said another organizer, Chris Mahler.

Bush said the issue comes down to safety and protecting the county from a potential lawsuit. He said the commission voted to waive the policy, but he said that might cause trouble in the future.

"There are going to be other that are going to come in here and want the same thing, so I think we're going to have to deal with consistency," Bush said.

The vets said they were just happy their ride was still scheduled as planned.

"I'm glad that it happened. It needed to happen. It's a good thing for the community, and we're glad to be out there and showing our support," Mahler said.

Organizers said this year's ride is scheduled for Dec. 13.