Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What does your organization do? What services do you provide?

Bikers for Kids provides various services to the needy of the community. For the most part, we take the profits from our annual Toy Run held every November and distribute it to many organizations andgroups throughout the community. We provide more than 5,000 toys to needy children through emergency aid on Christmas Eve day as we hand out food and blankets to 1,500 families.

Q. How does your organization help?

We help as many organizations and groups that we can with our profits. More than 1,000 motorcycle riders come to the annual Toy Run in November to help us raise money for the needy. In turn, we spread out the profits to affect needy families throughout the county for the holidays. The Toy Run 2002 last November made over $65,000, and we were able to contribute more than $45,000 back to the needy of the community.

Q. Why is your help needed?

Bikers for Kids became the lead donating agency for Emergency Aid about four years ago when they lost their main sponsor. Since then, we have taken the lead in collecting toys and blankets for needy families. Our blankets are still being distributed to desperate families without heating and warmth through the winter.

Q. If you could wish for one thing to help your organization, what would it be?

To be able to obtain enough major sponsorships so that we don't have to turn down any requests for assistance. We've been blessed to have the sponsorship of the Groppetti Automotive Family and the Indian Motorcycle Dealership as well as the Palace Indian Gaming Center in Lemoore.

Q. Where can people go to get more information?

Check out our Web site at www.bikersforkids.us or call our Bikers For Kids hotline at 799-9702. Jerry Martin Sr., Bikers For Kids chairman, will be glad to provide any information you may need. We have sponsorship packets available too.

Q. How can they help, volunteer or donate?

We will take donations of money, toys and blankets all year long. Our committee is already planning the annual Toy Run to be held the first Sunday in November. We will be looking for many volunteers to help with the event. We will be glad to take any type of donation whether it's a few hundred pencils to be put in the registration bags for over 1,000 bikers, a box of toys for needy children, or a personal donation of $10. We don't turn anyone away.

Q. What else do we need to know?

Bikers for Kids is a nonprofit organization made up of members from the Tulare County Family Travelers and Christian Motorcyclists Association. These members are dedicated to making people's lives better. This annual event has grown from a gathering of a few hundred bikers to more than 1,000 bikers who parade through Visalia with actor Mickey Jones leading the way. Once you meet us and find out about our organization you'll be hooked.