Tough, Tattooed Biker Stands In Walmart Line For 5 Days To Buy Kids Bikes For Christmas
By
Shehzad in
Holidays
On 8th December 2016
When you think of Hells Angels, you probably imagine motorcycles roaring down the open road, their drivers covered in leather and tattoos.
But if there’s something they really like to do, it’s to defy stereotypes, and while they might like speeding along the highway, they also don’t mind stopping to help someone in need, especially if it’s kids in need of support.
And sometimes they’ll stop for days.
That’s what happened one Black Friday back in 2014, when a group of Hells Angels stood in line for five days to buy all the bikes at a local Walmart in Fresno, California.
And we’re not talking motorcycles; we’re talking kids’ bicycles of all sizes and colors.
Black Friday is notorious for its long lines, but we doubt anyone would want to try and cut these guys in line. And not because they look tough — but because of the reason they were waiting.
The bikers brought all the bicycles to Poverello House, a community organization that helps families facing hunger, homelessness, and poverty.
The bicycles would be given as gifts to the children, who would otherwise never be able to have what for many of us in a childhood staple we take for granted. And it wasn’t a one-time thing. This was the 16th year in a row that they donated toys.
In 2014, the bikers, who included Hells Angels members as well as people from other organizations, completely bought out Walmart’s stock of bicycles and gave them away, and maybe inspired a new generation of riders.
#1
Every year, biker organizations like the Hells Angels arrive at the Walmart in Fresno, California to buy all of their kids' bicycles.
That's right. All of them.
In this photo from 2014, Hells Angels member Merl Hefferman waiting at the checkout counter.
#2
The bicycles, along with other donations, get donated to Poverello House, an organization in Fresno that provides support to homeless children and families.
The bikers do this every year, bringing some joy to kids and families who are struggling.
#3
These photos from bike drives in both 2014 and 2011 show just how many people turn out for this event, and how many kids get toys they can treasure.
#4
In many cases, though, getting all these bikes is a challenge in itself.
#5
In 2014, Hefferman said that he and his pals spent some five days waiting to get all the bikes together. It must have been tedious, but Hefferman said he didn't mind.
#6
"When a kid runs up and he jumps on this bicycle and he rides around, it's a good toy,".
"You ain't got enough money in this station that makes me feel the way I feel when I give these kids these
#7
In 2014. they bought and donated 200 bicycles, and in past years, the Fresno County Hells Angels and Poverello House donated thousands of toys to kids in need.
#8
"We've seen hundreds of bikers participate before,"says Gabriela McNiel, manager of Poverello House.
"Several motorcycle groups rally and collect toys each year. There's a lot of brotherly love there."
#9
And it looks like there's a lot of love all around!
#10
The Fresno County Hells Angels says that the toy and bicycle drive is part of the group's efforts to help the needy members of the community, especially during the holiday season.
#11
If you'd like to chip in and help Poverello House help its community, you can donate over on their website, and check out their other events on Facebook.
Do you think bikers are unfairly stereotyped? Let us know in the comments below, and please SHARE if you love bikers with big hearts!
