Santa’s Harley Helpers Deliver Toys to Texas Community
This year, Santa can tell Rudolph they’re taking the Harley.
Texas’ “Brazos de Dios” toy run was another huge success last weekend. Brazos de Dios — or “Arms of God” — has been taking place every holiday season for 29 years and delivers presents to needy folks in the area. Once again the Harley community, organized by dealership The Ranch Harley-Davidson, came together in great numbers (about 200 bikers) to spread some good cheer, good times, and goodwill in nearby Bryan-College Station, Texas.
Every year, the dealership and a local Harley-Davidson bike club chapter work for months to raise thousands of dollars for the charity event. Then 10 to 15 local families are nominated to receive the holiday cheer.
“We reach out schools and churches,” Alex Gipson, an employee at The Ranch, told The Eagle. “It’s how we get our nominations, because they know people who are struggling.”
On the day of the Toy Run, the bikers show up with goodies and so much more, delivering furniture and beds for the grownups, and toys for the kids. Plus, stuffed animals are handed out to all the children in the neighborhood. The kids can’t get enough of the thrill of all the bikes, plus getting to meet Santa, Mrs. Claus, and their elves.
‘Harley is a very giving company, and motorcyclists are very giving people, [and] I think that gets overlooked pretty often.’
And, of course, the bikes are decorated for the season. Donna Rice, a member of the local Harley chapter, had her bike decked out in Christmas decorations, wreaths, bows, and ornaments. Rice said “This is helping my community…this has inspired me to go out and help others.”
Susan Gipson, co-owner of The Ranch, said she was amazed that many of the participants had come from as far away as Waco and Houston, and that police officers from the area volunteered to assist in organizing the event and ride. But she wasn’t surprised at the Harley-Davidson community’s dedication to getting involved and giving back.
“Harley is a very giving company, and motorcyclists are very giving people, [and] I think that gets overlooked pretty often,” said Gipson.
Not by us, we proudly salute these bikers for doing so much for so many.
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