Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/617259
58 nJanuary 2016n www.thunderpress.net together we really all can make big dreams come true. In our community, one does not need to search long and hard to fi nd generous souls, especially at the holiday season. Epitomizing generosity of a few, to care for so many others, one only needs to look at members of the Washington County chapter of ABATE. Toy runs abound, but this group has been joining forces for over three decades to help local families in need. A few years back, I met a few members of this great group of do- gooders, witnessing their hard work hustling up toys and teddy bears for their annual toy run held in Hillsboro each November. Long ago, chapter member Stan Johnson convinced his friends that they needed to help kids in their own back yard. City of Portland events typically get the most attention in these parts, but Stan and his ABATE members knew that there were more kids at risk for missing out on the magic that only Santa can bring. In this spirit of working together, Stan and his friends joined forces to start a small but mighty toy run, ensuring Old St. Nick himself spoiled each child with a special toy. Sadly, Stan passed away a few years back. To honor Stan's tireless generosity, event coordinator Tom Kippert stated chapter members felt it was fi tting to rename the toy run in his honor and members have been working tirelessly ever since to ensure the Stan Johnson Memorial Toy Run gains momentum every year. The kickoff spot for the toy run is the Hillsboro Fire Station No 3. Although the temperature was brisk, dry roads and sunny skies brought bikers out in droves. According to ABATE member Veta Holscher, the top turnout was over 450 bikes prior to the recession, but she was anticipating a solid show of support at this year's event. Her large smile and countless thank you's supported her high hopes this Saturday morning as leather-clad dudes continuously strolled into the station with armfuls of stuffed bears and bicycles. At one point of the meet and greet, cheers erupted and the crowd divided to let in a very large donation made by the Sunset Chapter of the Alky Angels MC. These burly dudes had been busy shopping the day before and donated an 8x10 trailer full of toys, bikes and stuffed animals. Meeting with fi refi ghter and event coordinator Ryan Grimaldi, I learned that this event is one of six formal events held through- out the year to sup- port their fi refi ghter Toy N Joy Program. ABATE, the Hillsboro Fire Department and Elks Lodge mem- bers join forces with the local schools to identify families in need. This year their goal is to support 800 families with children by providing a food basket and special toys and gifts items selected specifi cally for each child, ensur- ing they feel that sparkle of Santa's magic. As soon the doughnuts disap- peared and the coffee urns ran dry, it was time to hit town for a small parade. It was clear the calls for sup- port on social media were answered, because by parade time more than 130 bikes were lined up behind Santa Claus, eager to make their way to the donation station. Snaking our way through the back roads and the cen- tral commerce area of Hillsboro, loud pipes called out to small children, indicating something exciting was happening. Santa took his time, wav- ing to the kids lining the sidewalks. Many small ones were unsure how to respond, but as Santa and his H.O.G. reindeers shouted well wishes, those tentative smiles quickly changed into wide grins of delight as bike after bike fl owed through town. The fi nal desti- nation was the Hillsboro Elks Lodge. Santa quickly hopped off his bike and instructed his elves to assemble a toy brigade, transporting hundreds of items into the main meeting hall. When the fi nal three-foot tall teddy was placed atop the enormous mound of games and toys, no one could deny that when single folks join forces, big things can happen. Once at the Elks Lodge, folks had a chance to warm up and enjoy their reward for helping others in need with a tasty hot pasta lunch, gener- ously made and served by member of the Elks Lodge. Refreshments were fl owing and with the hard work of carrying those teddy bears completed, the event took on a bit of a party vibe. Raffl e tickets were up for grabs and friendly cajoling made as Veta and her elves encouraged folks to take a chance to win a big-screen TV or one of the many other door prizes. The ticket sales go directly to the Toy N Joy program to assist in buying needed items for the holiday food baskets, so folks were only too happy to take that chance to win a prize, but more importantly, ensure the kids get the food items they deserve. Once the prizes were doled out, Tom Kippert took the stage for the fi nal event of the day. Flanked by charter members, the Washington County ABATE chapter made a fi nancial donation for $2,200 to the Hillsboro Fire Department, proving once again that even with a small donation of just one dollar or one teddy bear at a time, we in the biker community can help make dreams come true and the magic of Santa Claus come alive for hundreds of children in our community. 4 Stan Johnson Toy Run Continued from page 1 Washington CO ABATE members present to Hillsboro fi refi ghter Ryan Grimaldi (R) a cash donation to aide in fi lling food baskets for local kids in need Santa's helper, Veta Holscher (L), cheerfully accepts new toy donations from ride participant Karl Winston