Bikers continue tradition of giving

Sue Lawler adds some love to a toy donated during the 2005 Christmas Toy Run.

As they have for the past 20 years, the LongRiders Motorcycle Club is preparing for their annual Christmas Toy Run.

The event, which benefits The Children's Village of Tyler and other local children, is set for Sunday, Dec. 3. The group leaves from Tyler's downtown square promptly at 2 p.m. to ride together to the club's Christmas party.

The anticipated 200 plus bikers will all bring donations of cash, toys and canned food.

The LongRiders' partnership with The Children's Village came from the goals and principles of their club. Those principles include the goal to "further the awareness and good-will of the general public view for motorcyclists," according to the club's web site.

"The LongRiders have befriended and benefited the children with many thousands of dollars and many hun- dreds of smiles, tears, laughs, hugs and helping hands."

"We not only provide Christmas for the Children's Village, but also for other area children's agencies," club member Sue Lawler said. "We are there when there is a child in need."

The bikers will also pay a visit to the residents of the Oakbrook Health Care Center. Mrs. Lawler said they just want the young and old alike to know they are loved and cared for at this holiday time.

Sue Burford, administrator of the Oakbrook Health Care Center, said their younger patients really enjoy the visit from the bikers.

"They love to go out and see their motorcycles." The club also provides Christmas gifts for these special patients.

To donate toys or money to help with this annual yuletide occasion, contact Sue Lawler at 903-839-2863.