GREAT FALLS – Big Sky Harley Davidson is gearing up for their annual Toy Run on Saturday.
Every year, they welcome families into their shop, serve them snacks and, of course, Santa arrives on a motorcycle and gives the kids gifts.
“We’ve done this in the past and this year we’ve decided to amp it up a bit,” H.O.G director Greg Vetter said.
This year, the organization is welcoming over 100 kids.
“I’m amazed at the response we’ve had from the other clubs. As you can see there are no names left on the tree,” Vetter said.
This year, they are partnering with three organizations: Big Brothers Big Sisters, The Boys and Girls Club and Great Falls Public Schools.
“A lot of these programs are in dire need,” H.O.G activities director Pam Howard said.
They’ve created an angel tree, which all the tags have been accounted for, meaning every kid will receive a present on Saturday.
Along with their gifts, the kids will hear Christmas stories and be served a pancake breakfast.
Organizers are asking people to drop off gently-used clothes or toys so the families can pick out gifts to give to others while they are there.
“It’s just a matter of making a difference in this community. It’s been a great feeling having everybody get together,” Tenacious Dames member Brenda Robertson said.
Howard says she expects this year to be huge and for the Toy Run to continue to grow each year.
“Not only are we asking the public to buy presents, which they have cause the tags are gone, but we are also asking them to donate to the programs, not just at Christmas time but to pay attention to that all year long,” Howard said.
If you wish to donate to the organizations through H.O.G, you can do so by sending them money through PayPal. Search bigskyhog@gmail.com and write ‘it’s for the kids’ as the comment.
“The biker community is a very tight community, so we know we can come together and touch these kids,” Howard said.
Reporting by Elizabeth Transue for MTN News
