Christmas is looked at as a time for coming together and local organizations are stepping up to bring the community together to help children and adults with worthy causes.

Events to raise toys and food for those in need are being put together with the Progressive Civic and Recreation Club, Inc. (PCRC) and LA Bikers just two of the organizations stepping up to help those who need the assistance.

The PCRC, which was formed 40 years ago, is looking to help those who need a good holiday meal on Christmas by attempting to give away some kind of meat.

The plan is to feed more than 70 families with something they need more than a gift, PCRC president Herbert Payne said.

“What we plan on doing is stepping up and giving a turkey away along with the other food that we give away,” he said. “We are soliciting donations to raise the money to purchase the turkeys, so we can try and feed 75 to 80 families.”

The idea for the Christmas assistance came after the PCRC decided to hold off on giving food away at Thanksgiving.
A need for a meat to give was important, PCRC chairman of the board Cornell Torrence said.

“At first, we thought we’d give food at Thanksgiving,” he said. “We didn’t have any meat though, which is important to have at a holiday dinner. I asked people if we could hold off until Christmas because everyone needs to eat some meat.”

Giving away food is nothing new to the PCRC, but getting in the Christmas spirit and helping at this time takes on even more importance.

Making sure people have what they need is always important, Payne said.

“We just want to make sure people who can’t afford it are able to have a nice Christmas,” he said. “We are trying to put some good food on their table at a time when helping is important.”

Away from food, the LA Bikers are holding their 11th annual Toyz for Kidz Bike Ride on Saturday, Dec. 10 to help raise money for their event as well as to hand out toys to children in need.

The day begins with registration at David’s Catfish House in Atmore and the registered riders will ride their motorcycles to three different locations to meet families.

The LA Bikers chooses families before the event and has them at the locations where they will meet them and deliver toys to the children of the families.

Witnessing the happiness that comes from delivering the toys is something that hits everyone, Jody Jeter said.

“It’s priceless,” she said. “We have grown men that ride with us on this and you will see a tear roll down their face when they see the looks on the kids faces.”

This year, the ride will travel to Bratt Elementary School in Bratt, Fla. Arrington Auto Parts in Flomaton and Atmore City Hall. Following all of the stops, the ride will conclude at East Avenue for lunch.The good of the event is seeing what comes out of it, Jeter said.

“Last year, we gave all the families hams and it was funny because one of the children was more excited to see the ham than a toy,” she said.

Registration for the ride is $20 per bike and all donations go to LA Bikers Toys for Kidz. Registration will take place from 9 a.m. until 10 a.m. For more information contact Jody Jeter at 251-747-7030.

For more information on the PCRC Christmas assistance contact Herbert Payne 294-0863 or Cornell Torrence at 368-3303.