Motorcycle groups gather toys for kids

MOSES LAKE - Leather-clad bikers gathered in Moses Lake pleading for toys.

The Unchained Brotherhood and Bikers for Christ motorcycle groups set up shop in the parking lot of Penhallurick's True Value off Stratford road.

The groups held a toy drive to benefit the Moses Lake Food Bank's annual toy drive, said Barb Frost, wife of Unchained Brotherhood's national president, Jack Frost.

Santa Claus showed up, offering photos with him atop a shiny black motorcycle.

"It's going well considering the economy," said Frost. "People have really opened their hearts and their wallets to help the needy of Moses Lake."

The groups collected cash to purchase toys for children whose families can't afford Christmas presents. The Unchained Brotherhood uses the money to buy toys from local businesses, said Frost. The toys stay in Moses Lake, she added.

"It's a way that we can give back to the community for the things that we've done in our past," she said. "It's paying it forward, is what we're doing."

Starbucks donated coffee to help keep the bikers warm as they waved signs outside in the cold, said Frost. Don Merril, a local electrician, donated use of a bus so the group could print out photos of Santa, she added.

The groups will hold another toy drive next Saturday in the parking lot of Penhallurick's True Value, 711 N Stratford Rd. The drive lasts from 10 a.m. to around 3 or 4 p.m., depending on the weather, said Frost.

It's an amazing event, considering that the community gives so much that then goes right back into the community, she said.

"It's like the circle is complete."