Listen to this article
Motorcycle crew delivers toys at Christmas.
by Stefanie Segur –
The normally quiet town of Anderson near Redding, Calif., was awakened by the loud pulsating noise of more than 300 motorcycle engines, revved and ready to help children in need this holiday season at the 24th Annual United Bikers of Northern California Toy Run.
“The bikers of UBNC sometimes get a bad rap,” said Redding Corps Officer Major Patricia Wetter. “All they want to do is make sure the children of Shasta County get food and toys on Christmas.”
With stuffed animals and other toys strapped to the back of their bikes, the riders met at a local Wal-Mart. UBNC leaders checked every bike before they joined in the brigade to make sure they had toys and, if they didn’t, sent them bikers in to shop at Wal-Mart.
UNBC Director Don “Mac” MacNeil organizes and participates in the event every year. “When I was a child, I did not receive,” he said. “I do what I can to make sure as many children as possible do not have to be disappointed on what should be one of the happiest days of the year.”
The Toy Run led bikers to Anderson River Park where a group of teenagers eagerly awaited the toys to arrive so they could fill the truck. Leather and denim-clad riders lined up to lob their toys, Barbies and basketballs alike, into the waiting hands of the teens.
Santa, clad in a leather vest and jeans, arrived to take pictures with the kids. Following an enjoyable toy run and park party, the motorcycles revved again as the bikers left to deliver toys at the local hospital.