Kansas - Bike Run Provides Veterans With New Items

OFF THE WIRE
Sunday was all about the veterans in southeast Kansas, as local bikers rode for a good cause.

It was a 20-minute trip from Arkansas City to the Kansas Veterans Home in Winfield, as bikers made the trek, traveling with dozens of donated items for local veterans.

"It's an awesome experience to sit there and listen to the motorcycles coming up, because it means something is happening," said Webster Roth, Kansas Veterans Home.

The volunteers offered their holiday weekend to help haul and unload TVs, games, books and more for those who have dedicated their lives for our country.

"These are people that fought for their country, and now, they're here and they shouldn't be forgotten," said Bruce Pendlay, Border Bike Run organizer.

The TVs came from the old hospital in Arkansas City. They were left there after the move to the brand new site north of town.

"I asked what are you guys going to do? They said they didn't know," said Pendlay.

Pendlay asked the hospital to donate the TVs.

The community then chipped in with even more items.

"When they (the community) found out what we were doing, they started bringing all the donation with the books and everyday items," said Pendlay.

Large or small items, all mean a lot to those who fought for our freedom.

"The day before the 4th of July, and our celebration of independence, what a gift to our veterans that live here at the veterans home," said Roth.

The Kansas Veterans Home is always in need of everyday items like deodorant and toothpaste. They also need several dozen more cable-ready TVs, to be able to put one in each veterans' room.

http://www.kake.com/news/headlines/Bike_Run_Provides_Veterans_With_New_Items_124947989.html