Orange County HOG members gather toys for CHOC Hospital

Over 70 Harley riders came out early on Friday morning to join up at famous Watson's Drug at the Orange Circle for  their annual toy pickup at local schools to benefit  CHOC (Children's Hospital Orange County).  Listening to the rumble of, and watching 70 Harley-Davidson motorcyles in precise formation going down the road can be rather intimidating. However, on this day, the Harley Riders of  the 550 member strong Harley-Davidson chapter in Orange County  came to gather gifts and enjoy the local schools children support that brings tears to many grown-ups eyes. This has become an annual event for Orange Coast HOG. It culminates with all the toys that are donated and collected delivered each year to CHOC on Christmas Eve morning, December 24. 

The first ride some 13 years ago had about 25 Harley riders with Santa Claus leading the way, and it grown to become one of the biggest and most successful annual biker events in the area that now attracts over 2,000 riders.  Bikes start to line up by 7:00 AM  for the 9:30 AM ride to the hospital that meanders through the canyons with families standing along the road side cheering, waving flags and giving the victory sign. Many riders come from out of state to be part of the ride that is open to anyone contributing a toy. Upon arrival at the hospital, some of the kids meet the riders in the parking lot and many who cannot come outside are lined up at the windows to watch and hear the rumble of  the arrival of the bikes that lasts some 30 minutes. Seeing over 2,000 bikes in one parking lot is quite something to see.

Last year, the event raised over $300,000, or some 30,000  toys that were donated and delivered as a result of this fund raiser.  There are a bunch of tots that are going to be happy as a result.

If there is such a thing as a winner of this event, it would be the Harley riders themselves who have found a way to bring cheer to many of the seriously ill children. The children always have smiles on their faces, even those that have unsure futures. These children remind us how fortunate many of us are and how blessed we are for our good health.  The saying "it is better to give than to receive" is an understatement once you take a look at what joy you can bring to the face of young children.  

There is no better way to spend the day before Christmas if you really want to enjoy the holiday season!

• OC Register picture video
• Childrens Hospital of Orange

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