Riding for Wish ABATE bikers collect toys for Christmas Wish Santa Claus rode into Mountain Home on a trike Sunday leading a parade of 76 motorcyclists bearing toys. The Arkansas Bikers Aiming Towards Education (ABATE) Chapter 16 bikers donated their time and toys to Christmas Wish, a program The Baxter Bulletin began in 1988 to help ensure area children of needy families have presents to open on Christmas Day, a holiday meal and warm winter clothing.
"There were 76 bikes, and we collected a truckload of toys," said Tiffany Douglas-Greer, Christmas Wish coordinator.
Bill Clements with ABATE Chapter 16 said the group took off from the Mountain Home square and hauled the toys to the Fraternal Order of Eagles building at Midway.
Clements said the number of participants was down this year because of Sunday's rainy weather.
"We usually have 130 to 150 motorcycles, but with the rain we just didn't have as many," he said.