This Santa's on a joy ride
Posted: Mon Dec 04, 2006 4:08 am
This Santa's on a joy ride
Monday, December 4, 2006 - By Chrissy Littledale - Pensacola News Journal - pensacolanewsjournal.com
Darrell Tatum towed a 6-foot-tall Christmas tree behind his Honda Gold Wing motorcycle.
He dressed as Santa and handed out candy canes to children.
But he wasn't alone. This Santa had lots of helpers.
Nearly 1,000 motorcycle riders, including Tatum, participated in the 10th annual ABATE Toy Run on Sunday morning.
The event, sponsored by the Gulf Coast Chapter of American Bikers Aimed Toward Education, raised money and collected toys for children in need.
"Bikers have big hearts," said Laura Ward, one of the event organizers. "They get involved."
Each rider gave a $10 donation and brought an unwrapped toy.
"But no one just brings one present," Ward said. "They have saddle bags full of toys. Some bikers were towing trailers full of presents."
Tatum said he has participated several years and has never seen such a large crowd.
"When we were all lined up we stretched from Nine Mile Road and Palafox Street back to University Parkway and Nine Mile Road (about 3 miles)," he said. "People were honking and children were yelling out 'Santa!' It was heart warming."
The riders started at University Mall and rode to the Hadji Shrine Temple. From there, the toys will be given to charitable agencies such as Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida, Shriners and the Christian Motorcyclist Association for distribution.
Also, a portion of the money collected will be donated to CHIPS, a therapeutic foster home program for abused children.
"You think about the kids who are not going to have a Christmas, because their folks don't have money or their dad is in Iraq," Tatum said. "You just have to do it."
Tatum said he and the tree made the 20-minute trip with only a few losses.
"I think I only lost four or five ornaments," he said. "But it's worth it."
The tree was given to the Shriners, who will give it to a family who wouldn't have one otherwise.
"It's all about bringing joy to others," Tatum said.
Monday, December 4, 2006 - By Chrissy Littledale - Pensacola News Journal - pensacolanewsjournal.com
Darrell Tatum towed a 6-foot-tall Christmas tree behind his Honda Gold Wing motorcycle.
He dressed as Santa and handed out candy canes to children.
But he wasn't alone. This Santa had lots of helpers.
Nearly 1,000 motorcycle riders, including Tatum, participated in the 10th annual ABATE Toy Run on Sunday morning.
The event, sponsored by the Gulf Coast Chapter of American Bikers Aimed Toward Education, raised money and collected toys for children in need.
"Bikers have big hearts," said Laura Ward, one of the event organizers. "They get involved."
Each rider gave a $10 donation and brought an unwrapped toy.
"But no one just brings one present," Ward said. "They have saddle bags full of toys. Some bikers were towing trailers full of presents."
Tatum said he has participated several years and has never seen such a large crowd.
"When we were all lined up we stretched from Nine Mile Road and Palafox Street back to University Parkway and Nine Mile Road (about 3 miles)," he said. "People were honking and children were yelling out 'Santa!' It was heart warming."
The riders started at University Mall and rode to the Hadji Shrine Temple. From there, the toys will be given to charitable agencies such as Big Brothers Big Sisters of Northwest Florida, Shriners and the Christian Motorcyclist Association for distribution.
Also, a portion of the money collected will be donated to CHIPS, a therapeutic foster home program for abused children.
"You think about the kids who are not going to have a Christmas, because their folks don't have money or their dad is in Iraq," Tatum said. "You just have to do it."
Tatum said he and the tree made the 20-minute trip with only a few losses.
"I think I only lost four or five ornaments," he said. "But it's worth it."
The tree was given to the Shriners, who will give it to a family who wouldn't have one otherwise.
"It's all about bringing joy to others," Tatum said.