Bikers take to Longview streets to collect toys for kids in

[totalmotorcycle]

Bikers take to Longview streets to collect toys for kids in need
Monday, November 27, 2006 - By Janine Manny - The Daily News - tdn.com



Santa has a lot of helpers. In the Longview area, many of those helpers wear black leather.

For the 24th annual Jumbo's Toy Run, members of the Southwest Washington Motorcycle Association (SWMA) and other volunteers braved the cold, wet weather Sunday, rumbling through town to gather toys to give to local kids this Christmas.

Even though the weather was frightful, toy run organizer Debbie Ingram knew the volunteers from SWMA, Unique Tin, Cowlitz ABATE and others would show up. More than 60 motorcycles paraded along rainy streets, ending at Moose Lodge No. 530 on Washington Way to drop off toys and be warmed with chili, clam chowder, cornbread and live music. Entry to the fund-raising event was $10 or a toy worth at least that much.

"How many other crazy people would do something like this for kids?" she asked.

Ingram said Sunday's event would bring in just a portion of the toys needed this year. She encouraged those who haven't yet dropped off a toy or donation to stop by and see her at the Sub Shop, located at 1141 15th Ave. in Longview.

Next weekend, the toy run volunteers will use the donations received to buy more gifts. Then they'll wrap all the presents.

Jumbo's Toy Run is named for former R.A. Long High School teacher and Harley rider Jim "Jumbo" DeMakos, who drowned in 1984 during a canoe trip on the Cowlitz River. He was one of the founders of the toy run in 1982. Ron Bowles, 64, is an SWMA member and one of the original toy run organizers.

Want to help?
People interested in helping distribute gifts from the 24th annual Jumbo's Toy Run -- or those who'd like to donate -- can contact Debbie Ingram at 636-4494.

"I'm one of the old guys, the only one left of the original five guys," he said. "This is all about community involvement. This is all kinds of members from all kinds of organizations doing something for kids."

Bowles, a retired contractor, looks much younger than his years, especially with his long ponytail and leather riding clothes.

"There are a lot of good people here," he laughed, waving at the crowd at the Moose Lodge. "Don't judge people by their looks -- there are doctors and lawyers here."

Toy run volunteers distributed gifts to about 800 children last year. About 500 of the kids attended a Christmas party at Skate World in Kelso, where Santa passed out the presents.

This year's party at Skate World is scheduled for Dec. 17.

Other children are given gifts with help from the Castle Rock Fire Department and volunteers in the Toutle area.

"We couldn't do this without help from the social workers, the schools and Head Start," Ingram said. "They help us find names of families who need help. Some of these kids are in families where both the mom and the dad work minimum-wage jobs and are struggling." Volunteer Kim Isenhart, deputy coordinator of Cowlitz County ABATE, said a few members of the community quietly donate enough money for volunteers to provide toys and Christmas dinner to about 20 families each year.

"I try to look for someone in recovery and families who are members of the 'working poor,' " she said. "We did 22 families last year. This year, we'd like to reach 25 families."

Isenhart said her two teenage daughters help her pack and deliver the dinners, groceries, presents and personal items.