Snow never deters jolly Old Saint Nick. And on Sunday, inclement weather didn’t stop the Ghost Riders from fulfilling their own Christmas duty.
The motorcycle club forged through rainy weather and stopped by the Elizabethton Housing Development Agency (EHDA) to deliver a bundle of goodies that will be dispersed to children in public housing.
“Each year, it has been wonderful,” EHDA Executive Director Kelly Geagley said. “But this year, just from the sheer volume of gifts, I would say this was the best drive ever. You look around and see the coats, the toys, the bikes … it is just absolutely amazing. It looks like a toyland.”
The local Ghost Riders chapter have assisted the EHDA for roughly 10 years by hosting Christmas donation drives at the Elizabethton Wal-Mart during the first two weekends of November. For 2016, the Ghost Riders announced they were able to gather over $10,000 worth of gifts, ranging from toys, stuffed animals, coats and a multitude of bicycles. The group wanted to thank the public’s response to the drive, making this year one of the most successful drives put on by the group.
With a trailer sitting outside the EHDA’s garage, members of the group and EHDA representatives spent the afternoon working outside in the rainy weather to bring the toys inside. After finishing up the drive, there almost wasn’t enough room for individuals to exit.
“When I first came here, we had a Christmas party and we were able to give every child a candy cane, a stocking and we tried to give every child a gift,” Geagley said. “The Ghost Riders got on board and now every child will have around four to five gifts. These kids that may not get anything for Christmas, and the Ghost Riders were more than willing to go out of their way to put a smile on their faces. The Ghost Riders are Santa Claus in my book.”
Along with the multitude of physical items for children, the Ghost Riders also provided over 20 $25 gift cards and a sizeable amount of pecan pies to be distributed to the elderly that live within the EHDA.
These types of events are nothing out of the ordinary for the Ghost Riders. With chapters scattered throughout the United States, the group always works within their geographic location to help keep items and funds local.
Following the delivery, EHDA and group members were congregated inside the facility for food and refreshments, a token of gratitude the agency was more than willing to provide to the Ghost Riders, Geagley said.
“I can’t say enough about them,” he said. “They’re also active with our Christmas party. We hold a Christmas party each year. This year is the 19th for children and families that live in public housing. Santa Claus is here, and we have elves in the back. It’s a perfect way to come together, enjoy the holidays and give smiles to the community. The Ghost Riders also stop by for that event, too. It’s always a great time.”