Bikers to deliver toys to local children

Bikers with the Independent Riders for Children and Charities (IRCC) have traveled hundreds of miles to collect toys for underprivileged children. IRCC members will reach their final destination Saturday when they present a truckload of toys to the Head Start Center, in Le Mars. [Click to enlarge]

The biker group traveled over 100 miles through farmland and winding roads of the Loess Hills -- followed the whole way by a truck loaded to the brim with children's toys.

"It's what we do," said Randall "Snowman" Luschen, of Merrill. "We collect toys and give'em away. What better thing to do?"

As president of the Independent Riders for Children and Charities (IRCC), Luschen has worked many long hours with his group to secure toys for underprivileged children.

IRCC members will meet with leaders of the Le Mars Head Start in Le Mars 9:30 a.m. Dec. 6.

They'll present toys to the Head Start staff, who will then wrap the gifts and discreetly distribute them to the parents of the children.

"Every child should have a gift for the holidays," said Vice President Bob Helwig, of Sioux Center. "In these times of economic crisis it's more important than ever that we lend a hand."

The group holds a "toy run" every August. Participants pay a small fee and donate a toy in exchange for a day of sharing their passion for motorcycles and going on a ride together.

"Now it's time to give the toys away," Luschen said, a big smile showing through his beard. "This is my favorite part!"

The club makes sure the children all have a gift from their parents.

"Some parents simply can't afford to buy a toy for their children," Luschen said.

The IRCC has also set aside funds for the Boy Scouts, Council for Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence, in Sioux City, the Gingerbread House, in Storm Lake, the Siouxland Sleep Out, and a family in Alta who needs help.

"In addition to the toy run we also have a dance in the winter to raise funds," Luschen said. "We raise a little money through the $5 membership fee, too. And we're making plans to add a second toy run every year."

This year's Leather and Lace Dance will be February 14th at Doc's Café in Sioux Center with music by the band Hippie Go Lucky.