HOGS, not reindeer, bring gifts to kids - Motorcyle group sp

[totalmotorcycle]

HOGS, not reindeer, bring gifts to kids - Motorcyle group spreads holiday cheer at center
Monday, December 11, 2006 - By Christine Morente, STAFF WRITER - Insidebayarea - origin.insidebayarea.com



Despite wearing their signature Harley-Davidson jackets and leather chaps, the men and women were Santa's elves.

They sensed the children's glee when they placed unwrapped toys underneath the Christmas Tree to mark the group's "17th Annual Holiday Toy Run."

"This is a great cause because it touches everybody," said 52-year-old Gordon Gibbs, leader of the San Mateo HOGS. "I love seeing what goes on here."

Children who come in for appointments at clinics throughout San Mateo County and staying short-term at the medical center will receive the gifts up until Christmas Day. More than 100 children — some from families who cannot afford health insurance — come in to the San Mateo center daily.

Nancy Steiger, chief executive officer for the hospital, was ecstatic that Harley riders came to bring gifts. Some of them are from different HOG chapters and other motorcycle clubs.

Randy Kambic, a member of the California Posse, a splinter group of the San Mateo HOGS,said gift-giving was lean this year because of the weather. Yet, a lot of people will still benefit from the Toy Run.

"This is all about the kids," the 58-year-old from San Mateo said.

Inside the lobby, they ran to the tree and clamored for gifts, while a number of elderly patients watched.

"This is awesome," said Melva Lopez, a 57-year-old Redwood City patient. "With everything going on in the world, they still take the time to think of the kids. Christmas is for kids. It's about peace and love."