Bikers, Transport Union Workers Team Up To Spread Holiday Cheer To Military Kids

It was a group effort to bring a Christmas surprise to kids whose parents are serving overseas during the holidays.

Saturday, November 10th 2012, 11:03 pm



Green Country bikers teamed up with the Transport Workers Union for a Christmas surprise for kids whose parents are serving overseas these holidays.

Oklahoma's Own put their boots on the ground for a very special toy run.

One by one, bikers came rolling in to the TWU, each one bearing gifts.

"Like every kid, you can never get enough toys," American Airlines mechanic Cisco Rodrigues said.

And there were toys aplenty. Everything from tractors to Tigers, all going to kids who have a parent serving in the Air National Guard 138th Fighter Wing.

Tom Packer, with the American Veteran's Motorcycle Club, said the airmen will deploy just before Christmas.

"Lot of toys, makes a lot of kids happy at Christmastime when their dad's not here to help pass them out or whatever they do," Packer said.

This is the second year for the 'Boots on the Ground' Toy Run.

It was put together by groups like The American Veteran's Motorcycle Club.

"Most of these guys are soldiers or veterans," Rodrigues said.

Many are also American Airline employees.

And in their do-rags and leather, they may look tough, but thinking about the kids who will be missing their mom or dad this Christmas brings out the softer side of these burly bikers.

"It'll really bring tears to your eyes, it does me.

Of course, these bikers had some help from the North Pole.

Old Saint Nick made an early trip to Oklahoma just to show his support for soldiers and their families.

"It took a lot to get the reindeer to fly this far South with this wind, but we came down here just for these guys," "Santa Claus" said. "For anyone not to have their families at home for the holidays is rough. It's just our way of saying ‘thank you.'"

It's a heartwarming gesture with a holiday message.

"Merry Christmas to all the troops and their families," Rodrigues said.

And a safe return to those in the 138th.

More than 100 bikers donated gifts to the toy run, that's about triple the number from last year.

Organizers said they hope the event continues to grow each year.

logo

Get The Daily Update!

Be among the first to get breaking news, weather, and general news updates from News on 6 delivered right to your inbox!

More Like This

November 10th, 2012

March 14th, 2024

December 4th, 2023

September 25th, 2023

Top Headlines

March 19th, 2024

March 19th, 2024

March 19th, 2024

March 19th, 2024