Since the economy began its free fall a little more than a year ago, jobs have been slashed, hours have been cut and wages have decreased.
It seems that the only thing that has gone up is the unemployment rate and the number of people who need help.
Saturday afternoon, approximately 100 bikers strapped on their boots and helmets and did their part to provide that help. Ushered down Broadway by a police escort, Dan “Santa Claus” Gath led the field during the 26th annual motorcycle toy run to benefit The Salvation Army. The yearly event began at Big Lots’ parking lot and ended at the Pittsburg Salvation Army office.
Gath, who helped organize the event more than a quarter-century ago, said while times may change, the mission of the toy run remains the same.
“We’re here to give kids a good Christmas,” he said. “Everybody brings a toy to give to the Salvation Army. Some may think it’s a little early to be thinking about Christmas, but it will be here before you know it.”
More than 150 toys were donated on Saturday, all of which will be distributed to area children this holiday season. Capt. Gary Gugala, in his first year as the local Salvation Army director, said events such as the toy run have even more meaning during tough times.
“One of the hallmarks of a tough time is when people rally to the aid of their neighbors,” he said. “That’s what America is all about right now. Here, with parents losing jobs or dealing with underemployment, giving right now is critical. That’s why we’re really focused on what’s most important, and that is giving. We need to keep that focus throughout this entire holiday season.”
Gath, of Weir, said he continues to be moved by the number of area bikers who give their time each year to take part in the toy run. The continuous popularity and involvement shows, he said, just how much people care about the kids in this community.
“What’s great is that people come out,” he said. “Not only is time the one time of the year we can all get together and see people we don’t see very much, it’s also for a good cause, and that’s the important part.”
The sunny skies and warm temperatures sure didn’t hurt matters, either.
“If it’s a nice day, everybody’s going to come out,” Gath said.
Gugala said the “gorgeous” weather was a blessing.
“It really encouraged a lot of people to come out,” he said. “The number of people who continue to participate in this event shows that while we may be down, we’re not out.”
