KLTV 7 News Tyler, Longview, Jacksonville |Texas Motorcycle Riders Association Toy Ride

Texas Motorcycle Riders Association Toy Ride

Christmas is just 22 days away and a group of motorcycle riders from East Texas made a special ride for the holiday season.  One by one, the bikers rode into downtown Tyler.

Gaynell McBurney is a member of the Texas Motorcycle Riders Association in Tyler and helped organize the toy ride.  "We are doing our 22nd annual toy ride for the Children's Village. We also take food and toys to anywhere from 30 to 45 different families and this includes in most cases ham, turkey and canned goods," said Gaynell.

Gaynell says more than 200 bikers joined the toy drive and ride.  "Most of them bring a toy or more and also make a donation and the money donations is what we use to buy the hams and turkeys and canned goods," said Gaynell.

"I brought a toy for a little girl and little boy and of course made a donation as I do every year.   You see so many children that have got to do without with the economy and it's just a blessing to pass the blessing on," said Roger Mansur, who donated gifts.

Once the toys and donation were collected, it was time to ride.  "We get to enjoy all of it.  We get to see the children and these families that we help and the smiles and the tears in their eyes and you will see these big biker guys back here bawling as much as those kids," said Gaynell.

She says their love for the community is the driving force behind this effort. The motorcycle club will be delivering the gifts to the Children's Village and the families they have adopted in the coming weeks.

Karolyn Davis, Reporting.  kdavis@kltv.com