Oregon Bikers Go Wild to Help Kids Enjoy Christmas

Bikers make a lot of noise when it comes to making kids happy.

Gifts should be new and unwrapped, unlike the one shown here.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Bikers from all around the Willamette Valley are joining together this weekend in an effort to create a wonderful Christmas for some needy kids. As important as it is to shop for Christmas gifts for loved ones, we should also keep in mind those who are less fortunate.

For the second year in a row, Salem's "Bikers Gone Wild" Toy Run will collect and distribute gifts to kids of all ages living at Salem's Oxford houses, as well as to the SOS Club, and the Salem Hospital Pediatric Wing.

This event began as a personal thank you to the people that work to keep families together, helping moms and dads truly recover from addiction problems and become lasting role models for their children.

"Too often the people that make the biggest difference get the least acknowledgment, and we just want to say 'Thank you', from our family and so many others that have been helped," said Colleen Crook, event organizer.

Toys donated to the hospital will be added to their special store, where a child picks a toy when they enter the wing, and again when they are discharged.

Meet at Duffy's Hangar at 1:00pm, Saturday December 10th with new, unwrapped gifts. All are welcome to join in the run, whether or not you ride a bike.

"It doesn't matter what you drive, cars, trucks, hot rods... every one is invited to ride along," said Crook.

Toy Run thru Salem, Oregon December 10, 2011

"We'll come together at Duffy's at 1:00 and get the bags ready for the run. We will separate the gifts as they come in, which is quite a job really- a fun one. Then we will be delivering to all the men and women Oxford homes, Clean and Sober houses, and then Salem's Pediatric wing."

After the Toy Run, there will be a raffle and auction back at Duffy's, where the Cherry City Derby Girls will join up for the after party. Each Derby Girl is donating a gift to the event. Proceeds from the raffle will go to the family waiting rooms at DHS, which need some additions to improve the quality of family visits.

There will be special commemorative toy run t-shirts for sale for $15 to help with next year's event.

Gifts can be donated in advance. Donation bins are located at Duffy's Bar and Grill, 2275 McGilchrist St. Salem, Or. 97303.