CHARLESTON, W.Va. — On every third Saturday in December, hundreds of bikers flock to CAMC Women’s and Children Hospital to drop off new toys for those battling illness during the Christmas season.
Tomorrow, these bikers will meet at Daniel Boone Park in Charleston at 10 a.m. before taking the yearly ride.
Corey “Mohawk” Hinkle, who helped organize the ride 11 years ago, says this is special chance to unite for a greater cause.
“This is that one time of the year that everybody comes together and does this one thing for the kids,” Hinkle said Friday on “580 Live” with Dave Allen.
Hinkle, whose daughter battled illness during the holidays 11 years ago, says he has first-hand experience in seeing a child in discomfort around Christmas.
“Most of them don’t understand what’s going on. They see all these machines, they see all these wires, they’re uncomfortable. This gives them something to, not so much look forward to, but maybe distract them or get their spirits up,” Hinkle said.
In the weeks ahead of the event, 30 establishments in the Kanawha Valley area served as toy drop-off centers for the ride.
The event often grows each year, with the record number of riders being 394, and the low number being a still impressive 187.
Hinkle says the ride is an annual thing, and nothing will stop these bikers from delivering toys.
“This event takes place regardless of weather. The only way that it will not take place is if we’re under a state of emergency,” Hinkle said. “The coldest it has been, one year I think it was six degrees, and we had almost 300 motorcycles that year that rode in it.”
Hinkle says anyone can participate, and the only requirement is a toy to drop off.