Bikers collect toys and bicycles for Toys for Tots

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Hundreds of bikers revved up their engines today to collect toys for Toys for Tots.

Carolina Coast Harley-Davidson hosted the 23rd annual Toys for Tots Motorcycle Ride along with the Marine Corps Reserve and the Toys for Tots.

One bike club started raising money in January and donated 142 bicycles for the cause.

“We started out on two wheels and that’s how the kids need to start out on two wheels, then they can put motors on them and go like we go,” said Richard Porter who coordinated the bicycle collection.

Rider Jeff Tripp says the riders have many reasons for participating.

“It’s twofold, number one you know that the toys are going to a good cause and secondly, it’s a camaraderie thing, you get to meet with other bikers that have the same love of motorcycles that you do,” said Tripp.

More than 800 bikes participated in the ride that lasted for one hour around Wilmington.

Richard Porter says the work they do all year long pays off on the day of the event.

“It’s my awesome day of the year, this is my Christmas and to me this is better than Christmas day,” said Porter.