Ride provides toys for needy

It's a cause Alexa Davis likes.

"You feel really good," said Alexa, a Riverside Middle School seventh-grader who was one of the youngest riders in Saturday's Toys for Tots Motorcycle Run. "There are a lot of children who don't have a good Christmas."

Alexa's dad, Jeff Davis, got her involved in the charity when he was an instructor at the Marine Corps Reserve Center from 2001 to 2005.

"She always did the parades," he said.

Saturday, she rode with her father on the 160-mile trip to Lake Russell dam and back.

About 100 motorcyclists from several groups participated in the event, which left from Augusta Harley-Davidson.

"Myself and two buddies bought Harleys last year," Paul Brewer said.

"We were interested in raising community awareness for Toys for Tots. We approached the Harley Owners Group and had about 76 bikes with 128 people. We raised $650."

Mr. Brewer has been involved in the Toys for Tots campaign since 1970. He spent eight years in the Marines and served two tours in Vietnam.

Helping children have a brighter Christmas is the whole reason for the ride, he said.

"Some children might not get a toy at Christmas" without the program, he said.

Gunnery Sgt. Sherry Barrera met with the motorcyclists before the ride and received $670 toward the purchase of toys.

Last year, Toys for Tots raised $21,000 and supplied toys to 6,297 children in the area, she said.

Reach Charmain Brackett at charmain.brackett@augustachronicle.com.