Motorcycle club brings Christmas cheer to reservation

It wasn’t jingle bells but rather the thunderous roar of motorcycles that signaled the arrival of Christmas for children living on the Mesa Grande Indian Reservation.

About 30 members, friends and associates of the Rekkrs Motorcycle Club delivered approximately 150 toys and gift cards to the reservation on Saturday.

“It’s the first time we’ve been able to do it and we’ll be doing it again for years to come,” said club president Neil Talmadge. “We’re not going to give up on these kids.”

Talmadge said his club learned of the need for Christmas gifts for the reservation’s disadvantaged youth about two weeks ago.

The decision to launch an inaugural “Run for the Hill” charity toy drive was a no-brainer, said Talmadge. Each participant donated an average of five gifts.

“Next year, we’re going to have more time and it’ll be even better,” said Talmadge.

About 45 reservation youths ranging in age from infancy to 17 received gifts.

Rekkrs prospect Brad Wohl was among the participants who rallied at Packards Coffee Shop in Old Town Ramona to begin the ride.

“I live in Julian and so the reservation up near there is pretty near and dear to me,” said Wohl. “The kids up there don’t have a lot and it’s a shame. Somebody’s got to do something, so why not us.”

Anyone wishing more information about the motorcycle club may contact Talmadge at neil@neilageinc.com.