Motorcycle groups give toys to Lassen Family Services

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Motorcycle groups give toys to Lassen Family Services
Tuesday, December 19, 2006 - By Ruth Ellis - Staff Writer - Lassen County Times - lassennews.com




Forty-one motorcycles roared into the Lassen County Fairgrounds during the annual holiday craft fair on Saturday, Dec. 2.

Many of the bikes had brand-new toys strapped to them, while some of the riders had stuffed animals tucked into their black leather jackets.

The motorcyclists, who were from the Weasels and the Iron Warriors, gave the toys to Lassen Family Services, which was holding its 17th annual Victims of Crime Hobby Craft Sale and Auction at the holiday fair.

LFS Executive Director Darla Freeman thanked the groups and said, “It feels really good to see all the motorcycles come in with all the toys. They are just happy to do it and it just adds to the Christmas spirit.”

Freeman said the toys will go to court appointed special advocate kids, children whose mothers are in LFS women’s shelter and to abused and neglected children.

Doc Cain, who helped start the event 14 years ago and a member of the Weasels, said the turnout was good with about 80 people participating.

Tater Lohr, who also helped start the event, said LFS was chosen because it was a group who did the most good in the community and at the time was struggling.

LFS needed help the most and has always been appreciative, Lohr said.

Before the motorcycle groups arrived at the fairgrounds, the Weasels had the opportunity to give a monetary donation.

Cain and Lohr gave the donation to Freeman in an envelope with question marks on it, as the amount being given was not known.

Craft sale and auction
The California Correctional Center and Lassen Family Services’ Victims of Crime Hobby Craft Sale and Auction featured handcrafted wooden gifts made by inmates in the California Correctional Center Mill and Cabinet Vocational Programs.

In a November interview, Lassen Family Services Administrative Assistant Arlene Kinney, said there are a variety of handcrafted gifts including furniture of all different kinds, toys, carved clocks and other artistry including beadwork and glass etching.

The proceeds go to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse in Lassen County, Kinney said.

The proceeds go to victims of domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse in Lassen County, Kinney said.

A silent auction was also held from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 2, with CCC Associate Warden Matt Mullin serving as the auctioneer. Kinney said the silent auction is fun, but only certain items are chosen for the event.

On Saturday, Dec. 2, Freeman said the event was going wonderfully and almost all of the items had been sold on Friday.