Hundreds of motorcyclists ride to donate toys to area children

OFF THE WIRE
Source: newarkadvocate.com
Written by
ABBEY ROY
NEWARK -- Perhaps there was a time when riding a motorcycle with a teddy bear attached to the back was considered a breach of conduct.

But Sunday wasn't that time -- at least not in Newark, where hundreds of leather jacket-wearing, do-ragged, goateed and ponytailed motorcyclists pulled into the Salvation Army on Main Street with a mountain of toys that would make Santa Claus proud.

"Bikers have changed over the years. We're the good guys now," said Lenny Stowards, of Heath, who has been riding in the Rolling Thunder Toy Run since its institution 23 years ago.

Each year, the ride from Toys 'R' Us on 30th Street in Heath to the Salvation Army continues to draw more riders, mostly from the Central Ohio area, Stowards said.

He said each of the past couple years has brought in about $18,000 worth of toys for the Salvation Army to distribute to needy children in Licking County.

"It's the highlight of the beginning of the Christmas season for us," said Kaye Hartman, Salvation Army volunteer coordinator, as she watched several volunteers tape together the cardboard boxes that eventually would hold the toys dropped off in the facility's garage.

Shortly before 1:30 p.m., the motorcade crossed the bridge just west of the Salvation Army, led by two police trucks and a fire engine. One by one, the bikes turned into the driveway, each toting a toy that a child in Licking County will open on Christmas morning: A Candyland game, many stuffed animals, a toy car, a baby doll, a plastic dump truck and countless others.

In the Salvation Army parking lot, the bikers stood in a line to drop off the toys, which were heaped onto long tables and stacked waist-high against one wall. As the toy collection continued to grow, the bikers formed a sea of black leather in the lot, where the sounds of friendly banter and rock music and the smell of cigarettes lingered in the air.

Scott Staggers, who estimated he'd participated in the toy run for six or seven years, said it was encouraging to see the number of bikers who had participated.

"A lot of kids, a lot of families need help right now," said Staggers, who also is a member of Licking County Bikers for Charity.

Heath Police Officer Parry Broseus was one of the two leaders of the line of bikes.

"It seems like it gets more fun every year," Broseus said. "It's great, you know, to see this many people come out and give to the needy kids in Licking County. It's heartwarming."

Stowards, who was standing with him, agreed.

"A kid is waking up (on Christmas morning) and smiling because of what we did," he said.

Tamra Crumet, of Millersport, would know. Her daughter, Josalyn, 4, was one of those children.

The family's situation had improved in time for the holidays this year, Crumet said, and she brought Josalyn to the Salvation Army on Sunday to give back. Although the pair didn't come on a motorcycle, they brought a collection of toys and stuffed animals as a contribution.

"My daughter and I have been helped the last couple years," she said, "and this year, we were able to help."

Abbey Roy can be reached at (740) 328-8546 or amroy@newarkadvocate.com.