Annual Toy Run at Helping Hands makes children's Christmas brighter 12/5/2009 11:51 PM
By RACHEL JOHNSON Staff writer
Some of the children gathered knew what to expect when they felt the rumbles that shook the ground and the sounds of thunder growing louder on Saturday while others stood in amazement.
Santa's sleigh arrived at Helping Hands with a non-traditional pack of reindeer and elves. More than 100 bikes and nearly 200 riders who donned Santa hats and black leather rode into Helping Hands bearing presents in celebration of the 25th anniversary of the Dixie Thunder of Aiken County ABATE of South Carolina's annual Toy Run.
"This is a big milestone for us being the 25th year. It is our biggest run of the year," said Mick Prendergast, chapter coordinator. "We just want to give something to these kids and let them know there are people out there who love them and care for them. They are not forgotten. We want each of them to have a good Christmas. This is all about the kids."
As the bikes rode in and the children began to see the toys and teddy bears attached to the bikes, their eyes lit up with joy. The sight of hundreds of bikes, while overwhelming, brought such excitement.
As each biker parked their bike, they gathered their gifts and made a steady stream into Helping Hands, leaving their gifts on a table. Each wore a smile knowing they were making a child's holiday a little brighter.
"It is really great to see so many people show up even when things are really hard," said Director of Helping Hands Carmen Landy. "It is really awesome. We are blessed to see them over and over; they don't stop coming no matter how tough things get with the economy. Today is a remarkable turnout, and everybody's spirits are so high."
Landy thanked everyone who has supported Helping Hands over the past year and invites anybody who is interested in adopting a child for Christmas to give her a call at 648-3456.
"We get new children all the way up until Christmas Day," said Landy.
Helping Hands is a United Way agency that provides 24-hour residential care to child victims of abuse, abandonment or neglect. Residents' ages range from birth to 21 years old.
For more information about Dixie Thunder of Aiken ABATE, visit www.dixiethunderaiken.com.
Contact Rachel Johnson at rjohnson@aikenstandard.com.
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Comment Title:
Should have called Heather, I would have fixed it.
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Posted by: Becky Raymond On: Monday, December 07, 2009 1:36 AM
Comment Title: Was glad to be a part of it
Amy and I were glad to once again be a part of this special run. Our favorite Dixie Thunder benefits are the Helping Hands runs both holiday and school and the Down Rider Benefit. I hope those sweet children at Helping Hands have a wonderful holiday and know that out there in the world people really do care.
I also wish to note that Aiken County Sheriffs and Aiken Public Safety officers provided excellent services as safety escorts. I was really impressed at how well they performed and unlike other escorts in the past this crew understood that several cars and trucks are a part of these special parades and this year at both the School run and the Holiday run they recognized us and let us help the bikers by letting those assisting in road guard get back in the pack safely knowing some angry guy who had to wait two minutes wasn't going to speed up on right behind or try to interfere with the parade in any way. Having these cars in the rear lets the officers move forward and get to the next intersection. I think they knew the vehicles in the rear knew what we were doing.
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Posted by: Heather Hawkins On: Sunday, December 06, 2009 3:45 PM
Comment Title:
My bike messed up so I couldn't come this year, but I sure am glad to see the turnout. You guys are great. Thanks for being you.
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Posted by: On: Sunday, December 06, 2009 11:42 AM
Comment Title: Thank you and Merry Christmas
To all who participated in the toy run to Helping Hands! You are truly appreciated by the staff and the children.
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Posted by: Mick Prendergast On: Sunday, December 06, 2009 7:31 AM
Comment Title: thanks
thnaks for coming Rachel.
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