“Happy New Year!” COMMUNITY FIRST MEDIA
Blessings of Peace, Joy & Health in the New Year! www.shelbyinfo.com Our 42ND Year • Issue No. 1 • January 2, 2025 704-484-1047
2025
Windjammers celebrate 36th Annual Toy Run, spreading joy to children and families The rumble of engines and the spirit of giving filled the air on Saturday, December 14th, as the Windjammers Motorcycle Club hosted its 36th Annual Toy Run. The long-standing event brought together hundreds of riders and community members, all united by a common goal: to brighten the holidays for children and families served by the Children’s Homes of Cleveland County and Core Family Services. The ride which began at the Cleveland Mall and ended at a Children’s Homes site in Lattimore, was escorted by first responders and emergency vehicles for the 13 mile ride that had bystanders on only temporarily delayed but greatly entertained. Among the riders were spotted the Grinch and Santa himself, spreading holiday cheer and drawing waves and smiles from onlookers along the route. This great event and effort has been going on for over three decades, and has been the catalyst behind the Windjammers’ passion to support local children and families in need. This year’s Toy Run was no exception, with participants arriving from across the region to deliver toys, donations, and heartfelt support. The event culminated in a celebration at a local venue, where the community gathered to witness the handover of toys and financial contributions to representatives from the Children’s Homes of Cleveland County and Core Family Services. Both organizations play a critical role in supporting vulnerable children and families, offering services ranging from residential childcare and independent living programs to mental health counseling and adoption services. “The generosity of the Windjammers Motorcycle Club and everyone who participated in this year’s ride is truly
Scenes from Windjammers Motorcycle Club 36th Annual Toy Run. (Photos/article provided by Peter Bagley)
inspiring,” said the Children’s Homes Executive Director, Peter Bagley, “These donations make a tangible difference in the lives of the children and families we and our partner
agencies serve all year round. In fact, the response was so phenomenal this year, we were Hurricane Helene. testament to the power of comeven able to help several famiThe Windjammers’ commit- munity and the spirit of giving,” lies in Swannanoa and Black ment to this annual tradition said a club representative. See WINDJAMMERS, Page 2 Mountain who were ravaged by goes back to 1988 and is a
SEE US FOR ALL YOUR TIRE & AUTO SERVICE NEEDS • FULL SERVICE REPAIRS • TIRES & ALIGNMENTS • NC INSPECTIONS • CERTIFIED MECHANICS • FLEET RATES AVAILABLE • FRIENDLY SERVICE 404 E. King St., Kings Mountain, NC (Across From KFC) Monday-Friday 8:30-5:00 • 704-750-4645
LIKE US ON FACEBOOK