Motorcyclists help Santa out by delivering toys in Gaston County

Kevin Ellis, The Gaston Gazette
·2 min read

Rain may have dampened the roads Saturday, but it couldn't stop the smiles of children who received toys at the six stops along the Gaston County Toy Run for Kids.

"There's kids out here who wouldn't have a Christmas and we're trying to give them one," said Sugarfoot, one of the organizers of the Toy Run for Kids.

Five-year-old Raven Nichols looks back at his family as she receives an armful of gifts during the 27th annual Gaston County Toy Run for Kids which kicked off Saturday morning, Dec. 3, 2022, at the Ranlo Church of God.
Five-year-old Raven Nichols looks back at his family as she receives an armful of gifts during the 27th annual Gaston County Toy Run for Kids which kicked off Saturday morning, Dec. 3, 2022, at the Ranlo Church of God.

The Toy Run for Kids delivers toys directly to children who show up at one of six stops, starting at the Ranlo Church of God and then traveling to stops in Dallas, Bessemer City, Gastonia, and Cramerton before the last stop of the day at Catawba Heights Baptist Church, where the motorcyclists end with a barbecue meal.

April Stiles takes a photo of 2-year-old Declan Galloway being held by Santa during the 27th annual Gaston County Toy Run for Kids which kicked off Saturday morning, Dec. 3, 2022, at the Ranlo Church of God.
April Stiles takes a photo of 2-year-old Declan Galloway being held by Santa during the 27th annual Gaston County Toy Run for Kids which kicked off Saturday morning, Dec. 3, 2022, at the Ranlo Church of God.

The Southern Gentlemen motorcycle club based in Dallas began the Toy Run for Kids 27 years ago with just 97 motorcyclists joining in to deliver toys. Now, the toy run usually attracts 1,000 or more motorcyclists on the first Saturday in December. While rain did cut the number of motorcyclists in half, the group buys toys year-round for the event, said Sugarfoot, a former president of The Southern Gentlemen.

The day also brings joy to the hearts of the motorcyclists, said Tony Jackson, one of the motorcyclists.

Donna Gordon and Robyn Gordon take in Christmas toys dropped off during the 27th annual Gaston County Toy Run for Kids which kicked off Saturday morning, Dec. 3, 2022, at the Ranlo Church of God.
Donna Gordon and Robyn Gordon take in Christmas toys dropped off during the 27th annual Gaston County Toy Run for Kids which kicked off Saturday morning, Dec. 3, 2022, at the Ranlo Church of God.

"Seeing these kids get their toys, interact with Santa and Mrs. Claus along with the bikers is truly a life changing event for many of our riders," Jackson said.

The Toy Run for Kids raises money throughout the year by holding breakfasts in March, June and September, and a hot dog sale in July, at the Gastonia Dodge dealership on Franklin, Sugarfoot said. The group works with churches and schools to find children whose families may need some help, although the event remains open to all, Sugarfoot said.

"There will always be one or two kids out there that really catch your heart," said Sugarfoot. "It was a beautiful day, rain or no rain. The Lord was there."

You can reach Kevin Ellis at 704-201-7016 or email him at Kellis@GastonGazette.com.

This article originally appeared on The Gaston Gazette: Gaston County Harley-Davidson riders deliver Christmas to kids