The 14th annual Vets' Christmas Charity Ride took place this past Sunday December 14 with thousands of bikers taking part. Riders met at 10 am and left cash and presents for veterans to ensure that they have an enjoyable Christmas.
The ride and gift giving is to help veterans who do not have any family or may have family a long way away. Many of the riders who took part had themselves served and wanted to give something back.
The ride was a great success with many Santas trading their sleighs for motorcycles. However, they did not trade their red suits for biker gear complete with motorcycle patches (although there were many fabulous patches on show).
The meeting point for the ride was Carolina Honda and it wasn't long before the gift trailer was brimming with gifts for the vets. The owner of Carolina Jim Wertner confirmed that all of the money and gifts that had been donated would benefit veterans at the Dorn VA Medical Centre as well as a number of homeless.
The riders began their journey through the Columbia streets at 2 pm with a police escort and the day was a huge success. The gifts were delivered to the hospital via a human chain to Karmen McSwain, who was placing them under the tree and then stacking them against a wall when she ran out of room under the tree.
This is yet another fine example of the generosity of the American people at Christmas time. Thanks to them, more people will have a lovely time.
