TEMPLE, Texas — If you thought holiday cheer and motorcycles don't go together, think again. Motorcycle clubs across Central Texas met up Sunday to bring presents to kids and veterans in need.
Between 350 and 400 riders gathered at American Legion Post 133 in Temple for the 26th Annual Tri-County Toy Run.
"This year we have 13,000 kids to help," American Legion 133 Commander John Potts said. "This was started 26 years ago and was very small. Last year we had 9,000 kids."
When KCEN Channel 6 stopped by before the group headed out, the post had collected 122 bicycles and 75 boxes of toys. Potts said every rider that participates either donates $10 or a toy for the ride.
The riders later traveled 51 miles to Lampasas with the toys in an 18-wheeler to meet up with other collections efforts. Potts said the toys would be distributed with the help of 21 non-profit organizations the toy run works with.
Pots said he hopes to have more bicycles to give out in the future.
"You know, a kid, when they get a toy, it just lights them up-- especially a bicycle," Potts said. "Like I told somebody a while ago, I give a kid a new bicycle and that's like me getting a new car."
Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association 23-5 also held a fundraiser at the Walmart in Harker Heights to fund Christmas gifts for veterans.
Riders in the association wrapped presents for donations and offered pictures with "Biker Santa."
Association member Brianna Messinger told KCEN Channel 6 the money will go to a number of programs.
"We do things like Thanksgiving baskets, we do Christmas baskets, we have sponsored some veterans at a local veterans home to find them gifts and make sure they have things they need for Christmas," Messinger said.
Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association 23-5 will continue to hold the fundraiser every Sunday until Christmas as well as on Christmas Eve.