More than 200 riders spread the holiday spirit with Toy Run
Posted: Mon Nov 13, 2006 5:02 am
More than 200 riders spread the holiday spirit with Toy Run
Christian County nonprofit Least of These benefits from bikers' annual charity event.
Monday, November 13, 2006 - By Juliana Goodwin - News-Leader - news-leader.com
Ron Jackson wore a black leather vest over his Santa Claus suit.
Not only was the bearded man dressed like St. Nick, he had the personality to match: friendly, cheerful and, yes, he came toting toys.
Jackson was one of more than 200 riders who participated in a Toy Run on Sunday to benefit Least of These, a nonprofit in Nixa. Throughout the year, bikers raise money, food, toys and other donations for the needy.
They're a giving bunch, says David Pantleo, a chaplain with HonorBound Motorcycle Ministry.
As he served coffee and doughnuts, Pantleo said he and his wife, also a chaplain, try to be a positive influence.
"Jesus loves bikers, too," Pantleo said.
This second annual ride was sponsored by A Brotherhood Aimed Toward Education, or ABATE, said Jim Sentlinger, organizer.
Least of These is a food pantry and clothing bank and provides household items to more than 300 Christian County families every month. This is the only toy ride for the nonprofit, which wouldn't survive without this kind of support, said volunteer Linda Rosebrough.
Aside from its normal operations, 130 families and 80 elderly are signed up to receive Christmas baskets. As Christmas approaches, that number will increase, said Micky Schrickel, another volunteer.
"Some kids would go without Christmas if people didn't come together and help like this," said Schrickel.
Under a cloudless sky, motorcycles lined up and snaked around Peoples Bank in Nixa.
A police car flickered its lights and sounded its siren, and the entourage revved their engines. As the caravan pulled out of the bank, several had toys — giant teddy bears, a floppy-eared dog, a frog dressed like Santa — tucked onto or strapped on the back of the bikes. The riders would end at the VFW Hall in Billings.
Last year, enough toys were collected to pack two pool tables, said Jackson.
Riders are a family in their own right, said Dale Hall, who organizes meetings for Retreads, a group for bikers 40 years old and older. Many of its 120 members are involved in charity runs.
Hall and his girlfriend, Cathy Jenkins, pulled a trailer of toys behind their bike. They participate in a slew of such events each year.
At any given run, Greg Yoder may know half the riders.
"You go there and it's kind of a reunion," Yoder said. "Some you might not see for several months or a year. The community just grows. Bikers are all about kids."
Christian County nonprofit Least of These benefits from bikers' annual charity event.
Monday, November 13, 2006 - By Juliana Goodwin - News-Leader - news-leader.com
Ron Jackson wore a black leather vest over his Santa Claus suit.
Not only was the bearded man dressed like St. Nick, he had the personality to match: friendly, cheerful and, yes, he came toting toys.
Jackson was one of more than 200 riders who participated in a Toy Run on Sunday to benefit Least of These, a nonprofit in Nixa. Throughout the year, bikers raise money, food, toys and other donations for the needy.
They're a giving bunch, says David Pantleo, a chaplain with HonorBound Motorcycle Ministry.
As he served coffee and doughnuts, Pantleo said he and his wife, also a chaplain, try to be a positive influence.
"Jesus loves bikers, too," Pantleo said.
This second annual ride was sponsored by A Brotherhood Aimed Toward Education, or ABATE, said Jim Sentlinger, organizer.
Least of These is a food pantry and clothing bank and provides household items to more than 300 Christian County families every month. This is the only toy ride for the nonprofit, which wouldn't survive without this kind of support, said volunteer Linda Rosebrough.
Aside from its normal operations, 130 families and 80 elderly are signed up to receive Christmas baskets. As Christmas approaches, that number will increase, said Micky Schrickel, another volunteer.
"Some kids would go without Christmas if people didn't come together and help like this," said Schrickel.
Under a cloudless sky, motorcycles lined up and snaked around Peoples Bank in Nixa.
A police car flickered its lights and sounded its siren, and the entourage revved their engines. As the caravan pulled out of the bank, several had toys — giant teddy bears, a floppy-eared dog, a frog dressed like Santa — tucked onto or strapped on the back of the bikes. The riders would end at the VFW Hall in Billings.
Last year, enough toys were collected to pack two pool tables, said Jackson.
Riders are a family in their own right, said Dale Hall, who organizes meetings for Retreads, a group for bikers 40 years old and older. Many of its 120 members are involved in charity runs.
Hall and his girlfriend, Cathy Jenkins, pulled a trailer of toys behind their bike. They participate in a slew of such events each year.
At any given run, Greg Yoder may know half the riders.
"You go there and it's kind of a reunion," Yoder said. "Some you might not see for several months or a year. The community just grows. Bikers are all about kids."