Harleys help usher in the holidays - Parkland Toy Run brings
Posted: Mon Nov 06, 2006 3:22 am
Harleys help usher in the holidays - Parkland Toy Run brings in big donations for families in need
Monday, November 6, 2006 - By DONNA HICKMAN\Daily Journal Staff Writer - mydjconnection.com
The annual Parkland Toy Run ushered in the season of giving with more than 250 participants who rode motorcycles and drove classic cars as they shared their generosity. Donated toys would be given to the St. Francois County Community Partnership's Season of Hope. Canned goods would be divided among area food pantries.
It was like a family reunion as members of car and motorcycle clubs gathered on the parking lot of the Maple Valley Shopping Center. They showcased their passion for the bikes they rode and the cars they drove and for the cause they helped to serve.
Sandy Russell rode in with fellow members of the Greater St. Louis/Festus Harley Owners Group (HOG). She had a fluffy, white teddy bear at her back.
“That's what I'm giving,” she explained. “I just love this event and all the excitement of the bikes.”
Fellow club member Linda Holdman rode in and immediately plopped glittering gold reindeer ears on her head.
“I've been doing this for eight years and my husband has been involved longer than that,” she said. “We brought a doll and a toy electric guitar.”
For two hours, the participants gathered, bringing their toys and canned foods to pick-up trucks that would soon be filled. There were bundles of mini basketballs, bunches of Barbies and boxes of Hot Wheels cars amidst cans of soup, pasta and beans. Those who didn't bring a toy or canned good made a $10 donation.
To escape the chill in the air, they gathered inside Cici's Pizza where owners Chip and Debbie Peterson served complimentary coffee and cinnamon rolls.
Charlie and Ellen Berry were riding for the second year.
“It's great to get the toys for the kids and we just enjoy being with all the riders,” said Charlie.
Jane Rasnic had ridden before with her husband, but this year, she had her own motorcycle to show off.
“It's a 70 Honda,” she explained. “I decided I wanted to ride on my own. It clears my mind and having my hair blowing in the wind just expresses freedom to me.”
Some riders donned green elf hats and fuzzy, red Santa caps as they browsed the parking lot to see the bikes and classic cars.
With a cup of hot coffee, Ken Bailey was eager to show off his 1956 green and white Ford Parklane. He and his son, Randy had restored. Members of the Corvette Club drove their classics in for the show, too.
“This event is always held on the first Saturday in November,” explained Helen Hawkins. “And I just think it points out the need to help the less fortunate families in our area. The need is so great.”
Just before 11 a.m., the riders started their engines and as they roared, car horns could be heard signaling they were ready, too. Some bikes were outfitted with American flags. Others still had toys strapped to the back which would be unloaded at the finish at the Elks Lodge where they would have lunch. A Bonne Terre fire engine led the parade, followed by Santa riding in a Mustang with Elroy, the Elks mascot. With police escorts, they traveled down Highway 67 and through Leadington, Park Hills, Desloge and Bonne Terre.
“It just makes you feel good to do this,” said Rasnic.
“I hope the people who see us ride are inspired to donate toys and canned goods, too,” said Holdman.
The Toy Run marks the first large donation for the Partnership's Season of Hope campaign, formerly known as Caring Communities Christmas. Donations will be accepted through Dec. 5. To sponsor a family or find out more, call (573) 431-3173 or visit: http://www.sfccp.org and click on events.
The Parkland Toy Run is just one of the events sponsored by local bikers. They also host the Blessing of the Bikes on the first Sunday in May to usher in their riding season.
Monday, November 6, 2006 - By DONNA HICKMAN\Daily Journal Staff Writer - mydjconnection.com
The annual Parkland Toy Run ushered in the season of giving with more than 250 participants who rode motorcycles and drove classic cars as they shared their generosity. Donated toys would be given to the St. Francois County Community Partnership's Season of Hope. Canned goods would be divided among area food pantries.
It was like a family reunion as members of car and motorcycle clubs gathered on the parking lot of the Maple Valley Shopping Center. They showcased their passion for the bikes they rode and the cars they drove and for the cause they helped to serve.
Sandy Russell rode in with fellow members of the Greater St. Louis/Festus Harley Owners Group (HOG). She had a fluffy, white teddy bear at her back.
“That's what I'm giving,” she explained. “I just love this event and all the excitement of the bikes.”
Fellow club member Linda Holdman rode in and immediately plopped glittering gold reindeer ears on her head.
“I've been doing this for eight years and my husband has been involved longer than that,” she said. “We brought a doll and a toy electric guitar.”
For two hours, the participants gathered, bringing their toys and canned foods to pick-up trucks that would soon be filled. There were bundles of mini basketballs, bunches of Barbies and boxes of Hot Wheels cars amidst cans of soup, pasta and beans. Those who didn't bring a toy or canned good made a $10 donation.
To escape the chill in the air, they gathered inside Cici's Pizza where owners Chip and Debbie Peterson served complimentary coffee and cinnamon rolls.
Charlie and Ellen Berry were riding for the second year.
“It's great to get the toys for the kids and we just enjoy being with all the riders,” said Charlie.
Jane Rasnic had ridden before with her husband, but this year, she had her own motorcycle to show off.
“It's a 70 Honda,” she explained. “I decided I wanted to ride on my own. It clears my mind and having my hair blowing in the wind just expresses freedom to me.”
Some riders donned green elf hats and fuzzy, red Santa caps as they browsed the parking lot to see the bikes and classic cars.
With a cup of hot coffee, Ken Bailey was eager to show off his 1956 green and white Ford Parklane. He and his son, Randy had restored. Members of the Corvette Club drove their classics in for the show, too.
“This event is always held on the first Saturday in November,” explained Helen Hawkins. “And I just think it points out the need to help the less fortunate families in our area. The need is so great.”
Just before 11 a.m., the riders started their engines and as they roared, car horns could be heard signaling they were ready, too. Some bikes were outfitted with American flags. Others still had toys strapped to the back which would be unloaded at the finish at the Elks Lodge where they would have lunch. A Bonne Terre fire engine led the parade, followed by Santa riding in a Mustang with Elroy, the Elks mascot. With police escorts, they traveled down Highway 67 and through Leadington, Park Hills, Desloge and Bonne Terre.
“It just makes you feel good to do this,” said Rasnic.
“I hope the people who see us ride are inspired to donate toys and canned goods, too,” said Holdman.
The Toy Run marks the first large donation for the Partnership's Season of Hope campaign, formerly known as Caring Communities Christmas. Donations will be accepted through Dec. 5. To sponsor a family or find out more, call (573) 431-3173 or visit: http://www.sfccp.org and click on events.
The Parkland Toy Run is just one of the events sponsored by local bikers. They also host the Blessing of the Bikes on the first Sunday in May to usher in their riding season.