TUPELO, Miss. (WTVA) - Motorcycle riders from several chapters in north Mississippi boarded their bikes at Ballard Park to ride across the city of Tupelo.
The bikers who take part in the annual Mingo Riders Association Toy Run & Parade ride with a purpose.
Over 200 motorcycles made their way up East Main Street to the destination of the Tupelo Children's Mansion, where they will again bring some joy this holiday season in the form of toys.
"Basically I mean just to help out and be able to see the smiles on childrens faces and stuff," adds Amanda Gibson, Tupelo resident. "Giving what is needed you know doing my part."
With exactly 207 motorcyles participating this year there will be an abundance of toys for the children. In addition to receiving a toy at Christmas time, the children will also receive a toy during their birthday or during special occasions throughout the year.
"They'll have so many that they can take care of the kids all during the year," adds Richie Jones, Chapter President for the Mingo Riders Association. "Birthdays, special occasions, all the kids that we was given out there names all of them got taken care of."
Despite some sterotypes that follow bikers around one thing they have is a giant heart especially when it comes to children and the holidays.
"Bikers, you won't find a more giving group of people than bikers are," adds Thomas Weyhreuch, Tupelo resident. "They come out to do this type of thing as much as anyone and it's just a great group of people."
"Basically it gives me joy," added Gibson. "That's where I get my happiness is being able to help when I can and this is one of the great things that I can help so."
"We're bikers but we all have hearts too and we're just here to help out and do the best we can for everybody," adds Jones. "The bikers get more out of it I think than the kids do."
It goes to show when you give you also can receive in return.
