Bikers shed 'tough guy' image with toys for kids

Raleigh, N.C. —

More than 30 Raleigh motorcycle clubs are trading in their bikes for a 40-foot trailer this week to make sure kids have presents this Christmas.

The Turning Point Motorcycle Club and 36 other motorcycle clubs are holding a week-long toy drive to fill a big trailer with toys for underprivileged children.

"It's the most gratifying thing I do," Keith Trigg, president of the Turning Point Motorcycle Club, said. "I look forward to this."

Someone is at the trailer 24 hours a day, and some club members have been sleeping there.

The motorcycle enthusiasts say in addition to helping children, the toy drive helps dispel stereotypes that all bikers are tough guys.

"The biggest misconception is when we get labeled out of our name, from a motorcycle club to a motorcycle gang," Trigg said. "It's important to give back to your community. We do that a lot."

The only noise these bikers are hoping to cause is revving their engines to drop off the donations.

"The ruckus they think we cause, it's nothing like 'Sons of Anarchy,'" biker Angela McKinnon said. "This is not a boys thing, it's an anybody thing."

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Latest Comments

Lets look at the Patriot Guard.. Great Group for a Greater Cause. I am a member and I enjoyed being out there to honor the fallen hero(s).

That being said, some clubs do things for publicity, to get there name spread and be in "spotlight". Others enjoy the ride and fellowship and brotherhood that comes with RIDING, If you dont ride you wont understand.

Sanford_27330
December 27, 2012 10:06 a.m.

Going out tonight to the Kmart parking lot off of capital blvd with my husband (biker) to donate toys!

califemale209
December 21, 2012 5:45 p.m.

Tough guy image of movies, or overweight, out of shape dressed up in costumes image - take your pick, but bikers are in general an independent minded, good-hearted bunch willing to risk life and limb on the crazy streets and willing to ride for our troops or little kids. Good to see organizations beside churches doing good for others.

djofraleigh
December 21, 2012 5:35 p.m.

@ncrepublican1776-- You dont really know what you are talking about...They arent bad because they are in a biker club. Matter of fact our family are law abiding citizens and republicans for what it matters, and decided that we were in a position to help out a family in need this year. We were put in touch with a local member who has put a lot of time and effort into giving this and every season, and he gave us info for a family that we were able to help today. It would be great if people like you would stop being so judgemental and condescending and instead appreciate what they are doing for the community.

expressingthetruth
December 21, 2012 5:28 p.m.

We too ride and have heard nothing about this. We'd like to donate our time etc of what left of the season. Can anyone tell us where thi strailer is or who to contact for more info....

daydreamnn
December 21, 2012 5:13 p.m.