For the fourth consecutive year, Brother Powe of Called to Destiny Motorcycle Ministries has hosted a "Toys For Watts" toy drive for the kids in the community of Watts, California. After a flood devastated the local area in 2002, Powe was "awakened by the Lord" to get his biker friends together and help replace the toys that were lost. Since then, he has worked hand in hand with "Sweet Alice" Harris, a local activist and founder of Parents of Watts-a charity that has been helping the community for more than 43 years.
With the support of the Los Angeles Police Department, stunt riders Kane Friesen, Eric "E-Dub" Whitcomb, Clint Ewing, "Kid" Blake Darby, Abraham Feld and tandem riders Rhome and Rhandie put on two shows on Lou Dillon Street to the delight of the thousands of residents in attendance.
The help and donations from Avery Insurance, Holy Rollers, Allegra Printing, FedEx/Kinko's, Fallsburg Cleaners, Buffalo Soldiers and several local motorcycle clubs provided plenty of toys and good cheer for all.
Six years ago, CrashClub.net-an Orange County-based sportbike club-started a holiday charity ride to collect toys for Hollygrove Children and Family Services, a Los Angeles Home for Orphans that provides recreational and therapeutic services to abused, abandoned and neglected children ages 6-13. And that's how ToyRide.org was born.
Recently at Edison Field in Anaheim, California, over 500 riders from San Diego to Sacramento were treated to a catered meal, thousands of dollars in raffled goods (including a 2006 Kawasaki Ninja 650R from Advanced Kawasaki), a Krispy-Kreme-donut-eating contest, vendors' row and the annual ride through Los Angeles for the sixth annual event. Over $10,000 in cash and toys were delivered using two vans and two SUVs, and all proceeds were donated to Hollygrove. For more information on next year's ride, visit www.toyride.org