Arkansas Bikers Aiming Towards Education, or A.B.A.T.E., extended a helping hand to The Salvation Army's Angel Tree program on Sunday by hosting its 20th annual toy drive and motorcycle parade.
"Everybody comes together to do this for the kids," said Vince "Crazy" Wellman, who has participated in the toy drive for the past 18 years.
Bikers from different organizations across Arkansas gathered at Bank of the Ozarks Arena to register for the toy drive Sunday, and around 175 people participated this year.
A total of 133 riders registered for this year's parade, each donating at least a $10 toy item or equivalent cash donation, and nearly 42 other people participated in the event, but did not ride a motorcycle in the parade.
"All of the donations go toward The Salvation Army's Angel Tree," said Hot Springs toy drive coordinator Rosa Bailey.
"Between the toy and cash donations, we typically get enough to supply the child featured on the Angel Tree with one outfit and two toys off their list. Depending on the donations, we serve anywhere between 25 to 72 children," she said.
According to The Salvation Army Lieutenant Bradley Hargis, there are currently about 400 angels yet to be adopted from the Angel Tree program.
"This event helps supplement so many needed toys. It definitely fills any gap and meets any needs we have concerning the Angel Tree program," he said.
After making their donations, riders mounted their motorcycles and proceeded along the parade route, which began at the Bank of the Ozarks Arena and ended at VFW Post 2278 at 2231 E. Grand Ave. Bikers revved their engines all along Central Avenue and through Gulpha George, waving at passers-by.
After the parade, riders, The Salvation Army representatives and other members of the community congregated at VFW Post 2278 where the Ladies Auxiliary served chili dogs with all of the fixings.
Local on 11/27/2017