Maddog helps unload a truck full of toys Sunday at the Knights of Columbus in Biloxi during the 25th annual Asgard Toy Run.
Bikers dressed in leather, and some in Santa suits, revved up their engines Sunday to deliver thousands of Christmas gifts for children during the Asgard Motorcycle Club’s 25th annual Toy Run and Charity Motorcycle Ride.
The weather was cooperative as more than 700 bikers from Louisiana, Mississippi and Alabama gathered at three locations along the Coast to converge in Biloxi for the ride to the Knights of Columbus Hall on Water Street to deliver the toys.
The procession of motorcycles, more than a mile long, attracted a crowd of onlookers along the way.
“This year has drawn the largest group of riders we have had for the ride, including about 10 motorcycle clubs,” said Asgard spokesman Smokey Stepputat. “It goes to show you that although the economy is rough the spirit of giving and sharing is still strong during the holidays.”
Harrison County Sheriff’s Capt. Greg Federico said the logistics of traffic control for a motorcycle ride this large take some manpower, but the efforts are well worth the extra work.
“Our officers provided the escort for the riders, using about 11 units, but it is for the kids,” Federico said. “There was that huge 18-wheeler truck filled with toys and people were also lining the road to step up and give donations to the bikers so they could buy even more toys for the children.”
The Asgard Motorcycle Club holds the annual charity ride on the first Sunday after Thanksgiving to kick off the holiday season of giving.
Also participating in the charity ride were members of the Biloxi Fire Department, and the new Thunder Riders biker club, who pitched in to purchase more than 30 bicycles for children.
“The firefighters chip in and do this every year themselves because it is a way to take care of the community we serve,” said Biloxi Fire Department Battalion Chief Joe Boney.
After the ride, bikers helped unload the trucks, cars and trailers packed with toys, which are now on their way to the Catholic and Community Services of the Biloxi Diocese.
From there they will be sorted and distributed to needy children in Harrison, Hancock, Jackson, Forrest and Lamar counties.
Organizers said last year’s Asgard charity ride collected enough toys to bring Christmas to about 1,100 children.
“This charity ride is the main provider of toys for hundreds of children at Christmas,” said Jennifer Williams from Catholic and Community Services. “There are hundreds of children who benefit from this ride and many who would not have any gifts to open if it were not for this event.”
After unloading the children’s gifts, the bikers rode to the Cedar Lake Harley Shop to celebrate the overwhelming number of toys collected at the charity ride.
“I rode today because of the fellowship with other bikers and to help the children for Christmas,” said biker Buddy Small. “It is just the right thing to do.”
For information about Catholic and Community Services, call 702-2137.
