Motorcycle Club Holds Toy Run For Families In Need

2020 has been a challenging time for much of the United States population. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, protests across the nation, and a contentious presidential election, many Americans are struggling during the holiday season. Some of those reside in Biloxi, Mississippi. But fortunately, the town recently benefited from the 36th annual Toy Run held by the Asgard Motorcycle Club of South Mississippi. The club defied misconceptions regarding both motorcycles themselves and the organizations surrounding them by donating toys to those in need. Though the weather was bad on the scheduled date, the Toy Run still took place as planned. An estimated 200 different bikes made their way to the parking lot of the Home Depot on Cedar Lake Road in order to conduct the event. Perhaps an advantage of the event being held by the Asgard Motorcycle Club was that issues like unexpected weather problems were deemed irrelevant by the experienced motorcyclists. Aware of the challenges faced by families across Biloxi and the rest of South Mississippi, the motorcycle club maintained its usual efforts. Attendance was somewhat impacted by the poor weather and perhaps quarantine conditions as well. But the Toy Run remained successful with impressive cooperation from the local community. Different members of the Asgard Motorcycle Club worked together to bring toys, clothes, and other types of gifts together within a trailer. After collection, the toys would be given to Catholic Charities, which would take the responsibility of distributing them. Additionally, the motorcycle club took the time to fundraise for South Mississippi food banks and charities. These are done in order to to ensure that families in need during 2020 will not go without the items that they need this year. Although the Asgard Motorcycle Club is donating these gifts and goods, the contributions will not necessarily be attributed to the club. The club does not perform these charitable actions for the sake of appearance, however. They perform them to benefit families across the Gulf Coast.

Combatting Preconceived Notions Regarding Motorcycle Clubs

There are many misconceptions regarding not only motorcyclists in general but motorcycles on a broader scale. This is in part due to the confusion regarding the safety of motorcycles. While thousands of Americans are injured each year in motorcycle accidents, this could have as much to do with operational errors as motorcycles themselves. Additionally, many Americans do possess preconceived notions regarding motorcycle clubs. The Asgard Motorcycle Club is not the only motorcycle club that offers charitable events and community benefits. Rather, the Asgard Motorcycle Club's efforts are specifically focused on benefiting those in South Mississippi and the Gulf Coast.

Donating to the Toy Run

Those that wish to donate to the Toy Run have different options to consider. They can contact the Asgard Motorcycle Club of South Mississippi to discuss potential alternate giving options if they would prefer to donate money in service of the food banks and other charities supported by the Asgard Motorcycle Club. Those supporting the Toy Run financially usually do so by sponsoring a specific motorcycle. Typically, this will be done through increments of $10, though other potential options can be discussed with the motorcycle club itself. Those that cannot donate money can also choose more traditional options. New toys can be donated to the Toy Run. A variety of different toys are sought out, including stuffed animals and action figures as well as creative options like coloring books and art supplies. Children's clothing is also sought after by the Toy Run. Both boys and girls, as well as children of varying age levels, benefit from the Toy Run's efforts. Donors can keep this in mind when offering donations in the future. Although the 36th Toy Run has already passed, it is forecasting to take place next year as well.

Comprehending the Toy Run's Benefits

The Asgard Motorcycle Club of Mississippi, as previously mentioned, does not take responsibility for the distribution of toys. Catholic Charities distributes toys and other donations to those in need. Although Catholic Charities holds its own fundraising efforts, additional events like the Toy Run further aid those in need that otherwise would experience even greater difficulties through the holidays. Many similar toy drives across the country often take place during the holiday season because of the excess financial and personal stress that the holidays can place upon families in crisis. These families tend to be lower-income, though they can vary across the nation. In 2018, there were over 4.6 multigenerational American households. These households often exist due to a lack of financial stability among multiple generations. Therefore, family members must rely on each other and live together in order to consolidate their finances. The problem that families under financial stress often face during the holidays is the expectation for celebrations against their everyday needs. These families often live paycheck to paycheck, and may perhaps be struggling financially otherwise as well. Therefore, their regular bills need to be paid while at the same time holidays like Christmas and Hannukah require gift-giving. Although families can choose to forego gifts, children may still understand that their peers receive these gifts. Accordingly, parents may feel guilt and emotional pain over their inabilities to offer customary gifts. Events like the Asgard Motorcycle Club's Toy Run allow parents to offer their children the same experiences that they would receive despite hardship. This is particularly important in light of COVID-19.

The Importance of Toy Drives in 2020

The Asgard Motorcycle Club's Toy Run is particularly important due to the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic. Many Americans have been lost their jobs due to the pandemic and are working under different financial conditions, as well as different housing circumstances. Toy Runs such as that conducted by the Asgard Motorcycle Club offer families the ability to conduct somewhat normal holiday celebrations for their children. The Toy Run will presumably be held again next year in the same space provided that it is still available for the club. Barring any changes instituted by the motorcycle club, they will be seeking the same or similar donations.