Bikers make a difference in students' lives 8/22/2009 10:28 PM By RACHEL JOHNSON Staff writer
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.
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Comment Title: after school jobs
The person that wrote that the children should get after school jobs,apparently did not read the article fully, or perhaps can not read. These children are not getting handouts, these supplies are given by people who care. These children DO NOT live at home with their parents, they have been removed to a safe place, out of harm from their parents. How can you expect a 5 or 6 year old to get an after school job? Maybe you should get a life, and a heart, because you apparently do not have either!You need to find out what Helping Hands is. Children are our Future, and we as adults need to make sure they have the education and what ever else it takes to become responsible adults.So get a heart and do some good.
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Posted by: On: Tuesday, August 25, 2009 9:04 PM
Comment Title:
NO EXCUSES.... bring back orphanages!
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Posted by: Southern Lady Wolf On: Monday, August 24, 2009 8:52 PM
Comment Title: School Supplies
To the person that left the comment "These Children should get after school jobs..." You apparently do not know what Helping Hands is, it is a safe home for children that have been removed from their homes due to neglect, abuse, etc...They have paid more then any child should, NO child should have to go through what these children have. Maybe you should get out and help those less fortunate instead of judging those that apparently you know nothing about.
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Posted by: On: Monday, August 24, 2009 4:08 PM
Comment Title:
These children should get after school jobs cleaning their neighbors bathrooms or cut grass to buy school suppiles. Don't expect handouts or donations because MOM and DAD are to lazy to work. This is how it should be, you don't get anything for free.
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Posted by: The Baron On: Sunday, August 23, 2009 1:04 PM
Comment Title:
Tell that to the tax and spend robber barons.
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Posted by: Becky Raymond AKA Rayhawk On: Sunday, August 23, 2009 9:57 AM
Comment Title: @WSP
I completely agree, there is nothing better than neighbor to neighbor help and support.
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Posted by: Becky Raymond AKA Rayhawk On: Sunday, August 23, 2009 9:55 AM
Comment Title: Even when we struggle
There is nothing better than to be with a fine group of Aiken County bikers who take time out of their weekend to buy and bring much needed school supplies to children who were removed from abusive situations. This year we had some excellent support from the Aiken County public service. Thank you for helping to keep the riders safe while they helped the children.
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Posted by: WSP On: Sunday, August 23, 2009 7:50 AM
Comment Title:
This is the way it should be neighbor helping neighbor, not sitting around waiting on the government to hand it out. Nice job guys!
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