Saturday, December 15th is the 30th Annual Ride for the Children coordinated by Windjammers Motorcycle Club. Riders will gather at Cleveland Mall and leave for Aaron's House in Lattimore at 1:00 p.m. The parade route will be down Marion Street, through Shelby to Hwy 74 and on to Aaron's House.
This very unique Christmas tradition provides Christmas toys for boys and girls who are in the Cleveland County foster care system. The monetary gift goes to Children's Homes of Cleveland County for needed items all year long - school pictures, class rings, clothing and sporting activities. More than $500,000 in toys and monetary gifts have been donated in the previous 29 years.
In addition to local motorcycle riders there are usually riders from surrounding counties as well as some antique cars that join the parade. Of course, Santa takes the lead - sometimes on a Harley, or a firetruck or in a military vehicle. Everyone is welcome to join the parade or to be a spectator along the way. It really demonstrates the Christmas spirit is alive and well in Cleveland County.
Raffle tickets for the 1987 Harley Davidson Heritage Softail to be given away that afternoon are available for $5 each from the Windjammers and Children's Homes and on the day of the Ride. For more information call Barn Yard at 704-472-4959, Axle at 704-477-7653 or Margie at 704-484-2558.
Submitted by Margie Christopher