Leather-clad motorcycle riders paraded through Aiken on Saturday carrying paper, pencils and even pink backpacks.

Dixie Thunder Abate held its seventh annual Back to School Run in which local bikers band together to help make a difference in the lives of youth at Helping Hands. Nearly 120 riders participated and about 75 bikes roared through town, making a grand entrance as they delivered school supplies to Helping Hands.

As the bikes drew near, the children gathered in the shade to cheer on the motorcycles' arrival. Complete with a police escort, the run was highly successful and hard to miss with its roaring thunder.

"Every year we get our school year off to a good start with the Back to School Run," said Carmen Landy, executive director of Helping Hands. "They help make sure our children have what they need. It is so good to see so many people wrapped in so many different packages coming together. It is good for the children to see people care about them."

After riding through town and delivering the school supplies, members of Dixie Thunder Abate passed the hat and raised more than $300 as a cash donation.

"Helping Hands is one of Dixie Thunder's chosen charities. We always hold a Back to School Run and a Christmas Run for the children," said Richard Farr, treasurer. "It is nice to think we bring everything we need, but we know we can't so we pass the hat and donate cash for the items we can't bring. We would like to extend a thank you to the City of Aiken and other law enforcement who made the ride go smoothly."

"I think it is nice because, with the overall stereotype we get, we want to show the community we are good people and make them aware of what we do for local charities. Most of us are professionals," said rider Judy Hamilton. "With the economy the way it is, it is great to see so many people still willing to participate."

Helping Hands is a United Way agency that provides 24-hour residential care to children from birth to 21 years old who have been abused, abandoned or neglected. The children are in grades K-12.

"When it comes to school supplies, flash drives are the biggest thing we need," said Landy. "Our main needs right now are things like underwear and socks in all sizes. It's hard keeping growing children clothed."

Anyone wanting to make a donation to Helping Hands may do so by calling 648-3456 or e-mailing admin@helpinghandsaiken.org.

Contact Rachel Johnson at rjohnson@aikenstandard.com.