PANAMA CITY BEACH — Motorcycle riders are kick starting a tradition of charity this gift-giving season.
A cavalcade of motorcycles will roar out from the Harley-Davidson dealership for the first annual “Toy Ride” the second Saturday of December. The store is teaming up with the Marine Corps Toys for Tots of Bay County and local motorcycle clubs to raise toys for families in need and brighten the holiday for less fortunate children.
“Bikers forever have had a soft side toward children’s charities and children in need,” said Marta Rose, marketing director of Harley-Davidson PCB. “And from what I’ve learned by being in Bay County, the bikers especially love helping children and veteran groups.”
John Shepard, chairman of the Marine Corps Toys for Tots, said he was just as excited as Harley-Davidson representatives to participate in the worthwhile cause.
“I’ve wanted Marine Corps Toys for Tots to be involved in a ride for years,” Shepard said. “I’m so glad to be able to raise all these toys for local children right here in Bay County.”
The Toy Ride will launch from the grounds of Harley-Davidson of Panama City Beach with the Infidels motorcycle club taking the lead on Saturday, Dec. 14. and is part of almost a month of charity events at the Harley Davidson location.
Harley-Davidson will host Blacker Saturday on Nov. 30; Kops n Kids fundraiser on Dec. 7; and the Toy Ride scheduled for Dec. 14, Rose said.
Other fundraisers can be found at bikerbulletinboard.com.
Toy Ride participants can sign up from 9 to 11 a.m. at Harley-Davidson, 14700 Panama City Beach Parkway, and start the day with coffee, doughnuts and holiday shopping. Raffles and door prizes will also be available.
Kick stands go up at 11 a.m. and participants will ride for an hour, ending at the Salty Goat Saloon, 13006 Front Beach Road.
Admission is one new, unwrapped toy or game.
“It’s really great Toys for Tots wants to do this with us,” Rose said. “The bottom line is it’s all about helping families in need and making sure children have a good Christmas.”
Want to go?
What: Harley-Davidson Toy Ride
When: Saturday, Dec. 14 — Registration starts at 9 a.m. and kick stand up at 11 a.m.
Where: Harley-Davidson Panama City Beach, 14700 Panama City Beach Parkway
Admission: one new, unwrapped toy
People interested in hosting a Toys for Tots event, donating a monetary gift or requesting a toy for a child in need more information, visit www.panama-city-fl.toysfortots.org.
For raffle and door prize donations, contact toysfortotspc@gmail.com.
