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Bikers, church team up for toy run
This story appeared in the Antelope Valley Press on Monday, December 10, 2007.
By AMIRA SEYOUM
Valley Press Staff Writer
(Photos by Lindy Smith and Dale Lister - Christ's Church of the Valley members)
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PALMDALE - Dozens of families gathered Sunday at Christ's Church of the Valley, where hundreds of toys were piled on tables and almost 200 were given away to children.
For the second consecutive year, the church family and motorcyclists from different groups came together to spread a little holiday cheer to needy families.
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"We wanted to do a toy drive, but we wanted to do it a little differently," said Steve Lombardo, a member of the church and a motorcycle group. "We wanted to see these kids actually get the toys, instead of just putting in a box and have someone else give it away."
With the idea in motion, the motorcyclist approached Pastor Bill Morehouse in an effort to collaborate with the church, and for two years the two groups have come together for this event.
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"They had a great idea - I believe Steve came to us about it. They needed a place to give away toys, and it just became a team effort," Morehouse said. "Last year, about 50 children got toys. This year, we have hundreds, so that is great."
Motorcyclists and church members collected unwrapped toys to give away for families in need, about 200 gifts were collected from the church and about 150 from the motorcyclists. While everyone expected to pass out gifts to each person who received a voucher, everyone was still happy that half the expected amount arrived.
"It's great to see these kids actually get their toys. You see their enthusiasm, and it's really nice. It's not like dropping it off at a box," said a motorcyclist who goes by the name of "37."
"This gives everyone a chance to participate in a toy drive, and collectively we all made a go at it and it's coming together great."
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 | The churchyard and parking lot were filled with over 100 motorcyclists, hundreds of people receiving gifts and many church members who wanted to see the kids' reactions.
"I think this is all so wonderful for people to take the time to do this for the kids. It's great to see them so happy and running around," said Wilma Spearman. "And I have to admit I really enjoyed doing the shopping for the kids."
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Spearman and others stood and watched children of all ages playing with their new toy and other children standing in line anxiously to get their pick.
Brendan Revalee, 4, was excited when he received a new Spider-Man car, along with his two sisters, Haley, 6, and Tiffany, 9, who also received their gifts.
"I think this is wonderful. I am so happy I got a Barbie doll, and my mom doesn't have to worry, because we don't have any money right now," Tiffany Revalee said.
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Patty Revalee, the children's mother, is fighting breast cancer for the second time and cannot afford much right now.
"My income is pretty low, fighting breast cancer, with hospital bills. So this is just great what they are doing. I think it's wonderful," Patty Revalee said.
The Revalee family and many others who are struggling financially this holiday season came to the event on a cold winter morning with a voucher in hand and received a warm welcome. Lunch was served as children waited their turn. When the line was over and everyone had settled down, the church presented a Christmas program and dinner.
"We hope to continue this and that it gets bigger and better every year," Morehouse said.
aseyoum@avpress.com |
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