Bikers deliver toys for Head Start tots

Dave Van Beek, a member of the Independent Riders for Children and Charities, helped deliver and sort toys at Le Mars Head Start Saturday. The IRCC collected the donated toys in part during its 17th annual "toy run" held in August. [Click to enlarge]

Christmas came early to Le Mars Head Start.

Members of the Independent Riders for Children and Charities (IRCC), a motorcycle group, delivered toys and money they collected during their 17th Annual "toy run" to Head Start staff Saturday.

After opening the bags and boxes of toys -- everything from Hot Wheels to Barbies -- both bikers and staff delightedly sorted them into piles: those for boys and those for girls.

"It's like our Christmas too," said Vicky Heidesch, Head Start assistant teacher.

In addition to the about 180 toys, IRCC members also gave Head Start staff a $400 check.

Donni White, Head Start teacher, said that money will be used to purchase hats and gloves for every child, and boots and coats for those that need them.

Throughout this week parents of the 60 lower income Head Start children, ages 3, 4, and 5, some of whom also have disabilities, will be given toys and stuffed animals from the toy run.

"The intention is that the parents wrap them and give them for Christmas as if it were their own gift," said Head Start teacher Marti Messner, who helped Saturday.

Both Messner and White said the number of toys collected this year was larger than last year.

"I think this is more than we've ever gotten. This is great," White said. "This was an awesome year."

Randy "Snowman" Luschen, IRCC president, said it's just as much fun for the bikers, who make the "toy run" each year in August, as it is for Head Start staff, parents and children.

"Children are our future. Too many kids don't get anything for Christmas," Luschen said. "We need to support our community. It's what Christmas is all about."

Before the toys were distributed to parents, each was selected for a specific child based on his or her interests, Messner said.

"I've been here 11 years, and every year it's gotten better, and the parents really appreciate them," she said.

Luschen said the "toy run" wouldn't be possible without the businesses and people who donate the toys along with the law enforcement and others who assist with the actual run.

In addition to helping parents of Head Start students, Luschen said the IRCC does the "toy run" and subsequent delivery to empower children.

"We hope that by doing this we can instill in the children the act of giving and caring for your community," Luschen said.