If you thought you saw a teddy bear or baby doll hitching a ride on a motorcycle Sunday afternoon, you weren't mistaken.
Nearly 1,000 bikers met at Home Depot on Cedar Lake Road to participate in the Asgard Motorcycle Club's 28th Annual Toy Run.
Dressed in black leather from head to toe, rolling in on roaring engines, they came bearing unlikely gifts.
"We're giving to those children that don't quite get that special Christmas. We're going to make sure they have one," said Asgard members Wanda Fountain and Sandy Walsh.
"Motorcyclists across the state come together this time of year. Their hearts are a whole lot bigger than their motorcycles in that they need and want to help those that need help," said Asgard President Mike Pickens.
Public relations representative of Asgard, Smokey Stepputat, said bikers from Louisiana to Alabama meet to spread the holiday spirit. They put gifts in the truck to be delivered to Knights of Columbus Hall. Then, those gifts are given to less fortunate children.
"We usually try to kick off holiday season of giving and sharing on the first Sunday after Thanksgiving," said Smokey Stepputat.
The entry for the ride was a toy item, clothing item, or $10.
The spirit of giving was made apparent as the ultimate gift giver joined the group, Santa.
"I got a real beard and I got a real suit, so I'm here to represent the group as Santa," said Ronald Sievers.
Even children knew what the day was about.
"I just hope they have a very good Christmas and they get all the toys from the donation," said Bailee Grantham Micah Oates.
As they drove off, their large numbers and intimidating sounds were overshadowed by their big hearts.
The group also gives to the Salvation Army. For more information on how to donate, visit http://salvationarmyalm.org/msgulfcoast/
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