Motorcyclists gave Santa an escort to meet some special children and adults in Belvedere recently.

"They get a thrill with the motorcycles. I don't know who gets a bigger kick out of it -- the bikers or the kids," said Pam Stickler, the founder of the RECing Crew, which provides social and recreational programs for special needs adults and children in the Augusta-North Augusta area.

On Dec. 6, more than a dozen motorcyclists left the SNO-CAP Drive-In in North Augusta and traveled with Santa to the organization's Christmas party at First Christian Church of Belvedere. There, Santa presented gifts to all the RECing Crew members in attendance.

"It's unbelievable" the reaction of the participants, said David Ford, one of the bikers.

About 90 RECing Crew members and roughly 60 family members attended the party.

Roy Kerlegan, of Evans, was one of the bikers escorting Santa.

"I've done this for a few years. Everyone is not as fortunate as I am. Every little bit counts," Mr. Kerlegan said as he stood in the back of the church fellowship hall and watched the gift-giving.

Mrs. Stickler and her husband, George, are avid motorcyclists. "It's usually just our friends (who ride). We always tell other bike groups, but there's a lot going on today," she said.

This was the fifth year for the ride and party.

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