Little girl saved by bikers now fighting for her life

Kansas City, Missouri (December  23, 2018) — The biker bar regulars don’t know why the 6-year-old girl was running across U.S. 40 Highway in the dark, but they think she was running to them at the Tool Shed Lounge when a car hit her Friday night.

The bar at 40 Highway and Phelps Road in Kansas City had been her “safe place” just 10 days before — the first time they saw her out in the dark, dangerously walking along the busy four-lane road.

Patrons of the Tool Shed Lounge biker bar, left to right, “Hobbles” Craig, “Train” Jeremy, Rachel Fry and Matthew “Nuffin” Dains stand by the collection of teddy bears and other stuffed animals. 

The girl suffered life-threatening injuries when she was hit Friday. She remains hospitalized. And Sunday, the biker friends she barely knows were collecting Christmas gifts for her while wondering — with some anger — why she was out in the dark again.

“She had to be a brave little girl,” Susan McCluer said. “Something was wrong.”

The girl’s identity has not been released. Police could provide no new information Sunday on her condition or about what happened after she was previously picked up from the bar. Spokespersons for the Missouri Department of Social Services were not available.

“We want some answers why she was out by herself again,” said bar patron Jeff Dunn.

Dunn’s daughter-in-law, Sierra Miller, saw the little girl out along the road on Dec. 11. She brought her into the bar and the bar called 911.

They gave her a soda, some chips and set her up playing one of the video game machines until police came. She was also very curious about the collection of wrapped gifts that members of the Biker Advocates group at the bar were collecting as a charity for some families in need this season.

“I think she felt safe,” Dunn said. He thinks that’s why she may have been trying to come back Friday night.

Biker Matthew “Nuffin” Dains was outside the bar and saw her get hit, he said. She was running against the light, going from south to north across the highway. The driver of the car that hit her stopped and Dains and others went to the girl to tend to her until the ambulance came.

Their hearts were breaking for her.

“We all have kids here,” said “Hobbles” Craig, whose eye patch over the right eye of his glasses had the letters B-A for Biker Advocates. “We’re devastated that these things can happen.”

The advocate group was already holding a collection of Christmas gifts to help four families in need, and now they and others are gathering gifts for this little girl.

One collection — of a large teddy bear and other stuffed animals — stacked outside in the sunlight against a construction cone near where she came to rest at the side of the road Friday night. A leftover piece of yellow police tape tied to the cone flapped in the wind Sunday.

Another collection of toys filled up a tabletop inside the bar.

They don’t know how she is doing in the hospital. But they hope someday they can deliver their gifts, said Rachel Fry.

“She was coming here for a reason,” Fry said. “We want her to know we wanted to be good to her.”

SOURCE: The Kansas City Star

Motorcycle toy run helps local children

Brevard County, Florida (December 13, 2018) — Hundreds of revved motorcycle engines rumbled along U.S. 1 towards Titusville Sunday, Dec. 2 for the 2018 Space Coast Motorcycle Alliance’s David Lewis Memorial Toy Run.

The run began in the Merritt Island Square Mall parking lot located at 777 Merritt Island Causeway around 10 a.m. Riders then traveled, in small clusters, to Titusville with toy donations to be dropped off at the American Legion Post 1 located at 1281 U.S. 1.

Hundreds of motorcyclist showed up for the David Lewis Toy Run on Merritt Island 

This was the 36th year for the run, which raises toys and fund for local Brevard children. SCMA, a local motorcycle community organization, provides charitable activities and fundraisers for specific purposes such as helping the less fortunate, accident victims, or those will medical issues.

Robin Bailey, president of SCMA, was responsible for much of the toy runs organization, including its ending location at Post 1.

“We’re collecting toys for the run that stay here locally in Brevard County,” Mrs. Bailey said.

The toys collected will go to children in Brevard County this Christmas season in an effort to help families in need. Some of the local charities on the toy recipient list included C.I.T.A. Mission, Daily Bread, God’s Pantry and more. Mrs. Bailey also noted that some of the recipients of the donations are families of combat veterans.

The event was largest hosted by the AL Post 1, who volunteered their post's location after other venues in the county declined to participate. “Personally, my organization checked out 48 different locations and, for one reason or another we weren’t able to do this event there,” Mrs. Bailey said. “I did not think I was going to be able to pull this off.”

AL Post 1 volunteered their location for the festivities less than three weeks before the event.

The number of motorcycle riders was lower this year than in other toy runs. An estimated 500 riders attended this years event. Former SCMA president, Rick "Dawg" Venerable, recalled upwards of 3,000 bikers in years past.

"I miss being involved in it, being a part of it," Mr. Venerable said. "I'm glad it's still running and kids are still benefiting."

According to Mr. Venerable, the toy run was named in honor of a former founder of SCMA, David Lewis, who passed away shortly before the toy run.

"I felt it was right to have people to remember him for the man he was and that was a man who would give to anybody," Mr. Venerable said.

Mr. Venerable, who was injured when a drunk driver hit him while he was riding his motorcycle on Feb. 25, 2017, had to relocate to Phoenix, Arizona.

Members from local motorcycle clubs such as the Remnant Sons and the Indian River Brotherhood participated in the ride and donated toys for children along with hundreds of other motorcycle enthusiasts from other organizations around the county.

"They're a bunch of good people. They're not like the stereotypical biker," said Mr. Venerable. "These are people that love to ride and love to do for the community. As with me their hearts are with the children."

The AL provided food and entertainment complete with raffles, auctions and vendors. Live music was provided by local band County Road 2. DJ Doc Holliday provided additional music support.

Mike Danella, a retired Marine veteran, brought an assortment of small toys and candy to be donated. “I belong to a lot of rider organizations. If there’s a charity where it’s kids, the elderly or disabled, I’m a participant,” said Mr. Danella.

Christine and Steve Bizzuti opted to drive their Jeep to Titusville instead of riding a motorcycle this year. “We had to have somewhere to put all the toys,” Mr. Bizzuti said.

The couple has been participating in charity rides in past years. “We’re friends with one of the sponsors, Island Cremations. They do this every year and we join them,” said Mrs. Bizzuti.

Attendees filed in and out throughout the afternoon to drop off toys, sampling food and checking out the array of merchandise available from participating vendors. Drone footage providing the scope of the event was shot and is available on the SCMA Facebook page.

The AL Post 1managed to accommodate over 500 motorcycles at their location during the afternoon’s festivities.

SOURCE: Hometown News

Reno Toy Run to help local kids is December 2nd

Reno, Nevada, USA (November 22, 2018) -- The 38th annual Reno Toy Run starts at noon on December 2, 2018 at Reno Harley Davidson at 2315 Market Street in Reno, and ends at the Reno-Sparks Convention Center. Signup starts at 9:00 am until 11:30 am.

Photo from the Reno Toy Run

Bikers of all types unite to help Santa out a bit for a lot of Kids in Northern Nevada who might otherwise not have a Christmas. Last year the group donated more than $26,000 to local children’s and veterans groups, and collected more than 5,000 toys.

This is an all-volunteer charity event with many local partners that assure every ticket sold 100% goes directly to charity. There are also toy barrels at businesses. The group serves the greater Northern Nevada community including The Children’s Cabinet, Foster Care, Reno family Homeless Shelter, The Virginia City Community Chest, Fernley and more. More information at the Reno Toy Run website.

SOURCE: KOLA News Now

Annual biker toy drive helps children

Colfax, La. USA (November 17, 2018) -- The Christmas season kicked off in Grant Parish on Saturday with a stop from the bikers participating in the Megan and Curtis Toy Run. The annual event involves motorcyclists across Central and North Louisiana teaming up to deliver toys for the holiday.

Some of the many toys donated 

In order to ride they must bring a toy for a boy and a girl for each of the five stops. Those include, Olla, Urania, Grayson, Winnfield, and the Sheriff's Office in Colfax. The gifts will be used to give to children in those communities who are need. Specifically in Grant Parish, they will be used during the annual toy drive which happens a few days before Christmas.

Both Sheriff Steve McCain, and the President of the Olla Chapter of the Circuit Riders, Lee Bratton, said it's humbling to be a part of this event. "They bring toys, it's like Santa Claus on motorcycles that show up,” laughed Sheriff McCain. “And because of their help last year we were able to help more than 250 children have a better Christmas, so they're a huge part of our annual program so we can't thank them enough."


"We're called to be servants, and that's what we're trying to do,” expressed Bratton. “We're trying to help others that may not, under their own finance, be able to provide for their families on Christmas.

So it's just the season of giving, and that's what we're trying to do. Brighten the kids’ day." Of course, it's not an event with the Grant Parish Sheriff's Office without some good food. Lunch was provided for the riders, and the riders even gave back to Sheriff McCain with a homemade plaque.

 SOURCE: KALB

Bikers Show Support For Bullied 11-Year-Old

Mustang, Oklahoma, USA  (November 16, 2018) -- A Mustang boy was having a tough time at school with bullies, until some even tougher bikers showed up to let him know it’s OK to be himself. A few dozen bikers rode to the 11-year-old’s school, met up with him in front of all the other kids and gave him a ride home.

John McBride all happy

This case of bullying hits extra close to these bikers’ hearts. John McBride is bullied because he likes to wear a leather biker jacket.

"A lot of people were saying, ‘Hey, do you think you're some big biker?’ And they were just making a lot of fun of me,” said John. After he saw the bikes, the leather jackets just like his and the people that were there for him, he said, “To get picked up. And that this is just so cool, that I have people that can care for me enough to have this all happen.”

News9.com - Oklahoma City, OK - News, Weather, Video and Sports |

"When we heard this story, little kid like that, you know we gotta [sic] step up,” said Kevin Blake with Ride Oklahoma Charities.

“Do what we gotta [sic] do. Show love and support for these people,” continued Blake.

John’s mother was left speechless by the support.

“This is really awesome, huh? This is something else. It's a beautiful thing. Beautiful people,” Laura Moon said choking back tears.

"His whole life he's never been afraid to be himself. So, I was kinda [sic] struck when he said that he was being bullied, and that it actually bothered him. And he wanted a new coat. But I think we changed his mind. I think he decided to stay himself, which is awesome. Couldn't get any better,” said Moon.

"This didn't make his day. It made his year,” said Blake.

“He's going to be a whole different person after today. He knows he has people behind him supporting him,” he said.

News 9 asked John what the jacket means to him now.

“It means I'm a big biker that can have friends always by my side,” he answered.

SOURCE: NEWS9

Bikers in Alabama collect toys for kids for the holidays

Madison, Alabama, USA, (November 7, 2018) -- At Redstone Harley Davidson in Madison, Alabama, bikers lined up Sunday afternoon, bikes armed with toys, as part of the Saints MC 40th Annual Toy Run. Bikers from the Saints MC motorcycle club as well as other motorcycle tribes joined forces to help make the holidays special for kids in need this season.

"To make a kid smile on Christmas it feels great. It's what we've been doing for years," said Big Skinny, a member of Saints MC who has been doing the ride for 25 years. This year, he strapped Hot Wheels and dolls to his bike, which he delivered along with other riders to Christmas Charities Year Round, a Madison-based group that helps less fortunate kids and their families.

"Christmas Charities will bring a truck to our next stop and everyone will walk up and give them their toys," he said. "We've been doing this for 40 years." Brutus Leewright is also a member of the Saints MC. "We do pretty well. We get a lot of support from other clubs and other people," he said. "It's a worthy cause."


After a moment of prayer, riders put on their helmets, secured their toys, and headed to Shagnasty's in Huntsville to drop off the toys, using their passion to ride for an opportunity to help others. "There's a lot of children that don't have much for Christmas," said Brutus. "Times are hard for some people. We try to help out where we can." It's a small act of kindness that's making Christmas possible for families in Madison County. Saints MC sponsored the Toy Run. Christmas Charities Year Round accepts donations all year long.

SOURCE: KCAU

2,800 bikers show up bearing gifts for toy run

Springfield, Ohio, USA (October 21, 2018) -- Thousands of bikers packed the back of their motorcycles with toys Sunday afternoon for the 40th Annual Highway Hikers Toy Run. More than 2,800 motorcycles made the trip across Clark County to the Fair Grounds where they dropped off toys and money for the Salvation Army.

40th Annual Highway Hikers Toy Run

40th Annual Highway Hikers Toy Run

40th Annual Highway Hikers Toy Run

40th Annual Highway Hikers Toy Run

40th Annual Highway Hikers Toy Run

The Highway Hikers help the community by donating toys to give to children on Christmas.

SOURCE: WHIOTV

Georgia Bikers help kids fighting cancer

Macon, Georgia, USA (September 29, 2018) -- More than 250 bikers hit the road for a good cause on Saturday, some with extra special cargo on the back. Savannah Walker, who's battling leukemia, loves getting to see the motorcycles at Hawgs 4 Hope.

"A bunch of bikers from different places and groups get together and anybody who owns a bike comes out and signs up and let's kids ride on their bikes from Jones County," Walker said. This is her third year going, and she says each year she's also gotten to ride the motorcycles. "You get used to it. I mean after the first couple of minutes you just have to make sure that your body goes with the bike," Walker said.

Hawgs 4 Hope

She said each year she looks forward to making new friends. "With some of the stereotypes that people have about bikers and stuff like that, you know its people coming together within the you know community,"

Walker said. Biker William Brady said he loves coming to the event and seeing the smiles on the kids' faces "Hawgs for Hope kids that are able to are going to be able to ride. People that brought any extra helmets and any open back seats or anything that they will let them ride with them," Brady said. He said watching them ride on the bike for the first time is priceless.

He said each biker paid $25 to be here, and that money goes directly to Jay's Hope Foundation. "Once a month they get to do something fun away from the hospital and doctors, and moms get to meet other moms, and the siblings get to meet other siblings," Cindy Gaskins said who founded Jay's Hope. 

She said the organization was made for kids just like Savannah and 2-year-old Willow Clark, who need something to look forward to during a battle. Clark's mother Dakota said Jay's Hope has given her just that, hope. Especially after Willow got three rounds of chemo to battle her stage 4 Neuroblastoma Cancer.

SOURCE: Fox24

Boy with autism celebrates birthday with bikers

Slinger, Wisconsin, USA (July 15, 2018) -- After only a few friends RSVPed to a birthday party for a boy with autism, his heartbroken mother took to social media. A huge surprise was waiting for 10-year-old Thomas Karna at Slinger Community Park on Sunday morning, July 15. "I just feel... I feel like I'm famous," said Thomas Karna

Hundreds of bikers traveled to Slinger with presents, balloons and cake to help Thomas celebrate 'double digits.' "Through that media, this is what happened," said Julie Banaszak, biker. "When the fellow biker calls, we just show up," said Tammy Rosman, biker. Before school let out for the summer, Karna's mom sent out 70 birthday party invitations to her son's classmates.


Only three RSVPed. "My son's autistic, and I guess it broke my heart," said Paul Inzeo, biker who attended Thomas' party. "He's just like any other kid -- and he should be treated the same," said Banaszak.Karna's mother's best friend, Stephanie Lovejoy, started a Facebook event, simply asking a few bikers to surprise Thomas on his birthday -- as he loves motorcycles.

"It exploded from there," said Maranda Karna, Thomas' mother. She said she never expected the turnout she saw on Sunday. "It showed him that he matters. That he is important. That he is loved," said Maranda Karna.Thomas Karna has autism, and he was also born with a congenital diaphragmatic hernia, or CDH.

His stomach and intestines had migrated into his chest, requiring a lengthy hospital stay as a newborn. "He's a fighter. He's been a tough cookie since before he was born," said Maranda Karna. "He's become a young man that even I'm amazed by every day.""So amazing to know that all these people came here for me -- to celebrate me," said Thomas Karna.

The icing on the cake for Thomas was a ride with his dad, and hundreds of his newest friends."Thomas was right there in the lead!" said Stephanie Lovejoy, who helped organize the party. It was certainly a birthday Thomas will never forget.

SOURCE: Fox6News