BIKER NEWS: Freedom Seekers spread good tidings and joy with Toys for Tots ride

BIKER NEWS -- Christmas cheer roared into town Sunday as members of the Freedom Seekers Motorcycle Club brought presents to donate toToys for Tots.

The club members rode from Rolater Park in Cave Spring to the Coosa Valley Fairgrounds, led by Santa and his helper, also known as Todd Smith and Venetia Smith, respectively.

“Our club members gather toys and bring them on this ride,” explained Venetia Smith. “Other clubs from Georgia get together to support us, too. Rain, sleet or shine, we’ve been doing this for years. If we have to break out the chaps and the cold-weather gear, we do.”

When the club members dropped off their toys they had lunch waiting for them, cooked by members of the Marine Corps League.

“This is my third year cooking,” said Terry Meadows. “It’s a great way to support them and show appreciation.”

Jason Cosper, president of the Freedom Seekers Rome Chapter, said the group has been doing this for at least 17 years, but many members have participated in toy drives for more than two decades.

“We’re just trying to help people that need it,” Cosper said. “We usually average between 60 to 80 bikes, and seems like every year, it rains on us, but that’s OK.”

On Sunday they were slightly damp, but undeterred.

Ronbo Hamilton, a Freedom Seeker and member of Seekers Support Club, said he does it for the children.

“You think about the children that are less fortunate,” he said. “I used to be one of those unfortunate children, but now I can give back and help.”

Hal Gosnell of Greater Rome’s Toys for Tots, said he appreciates the kindness of the club members.

“They do this every year and it’s fun to see them all arrive,” he said. “They add a lot to our toy drive and it’s great to be able to thank them by holding this lunch.”

Debbie Offhutt, also known as “Mama D,” is a member of the Chatsworth Chapter of the Freedom Seekers. She said she enjoys participating in the Rome Chapter’s ride every year.

“I grew up when you didn’t have much, and so many still don’t,” she said. “It’s a wonderful thing to help these children and the parents too. It makes Christmas happen for so many who may not be able to have it otherwise.”

The final Toys for Tots registration for Floyd County residents will be Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Good Neighbor Ministries, 208 E. Second St. For more information visit the Rome Toys for Tots Web page or call 706-291-0556.

This article was first published on November 30, 2015

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