High Springs motorcyclists collect toys for Christmas in June

HIGH SPRINGS, Fla. (WCJB) -Motorcyclists gathered Saturday morning for a toy drive with Christmas in mind, despite the summer solstice arriving the next day.

The High Springs Lions Club hosted their “Jingle in June” motorcycle toy poker run, collecting toys to distribute during the holiday season.

More than 40 participants riding 22 motorcycles made several stops throughout the day, picking up donated toys from businesses and community members before returning to the Lions Club.

The ride collected toys for a local person who dresses up as Santa Claus and gives out toys for free.

“It’s a great organization. We really like to help local charities. Today’s ride was for the local guy that dresses up as Santa Claus and gives out toys for free,” said David Malstroa, a rider.

“Collect gifts for underprivileged kids for Christmas. We had a pretty decent show out for our first year doing this,” said Gene Resmondo Jr., a rider.

Organizers said the early summer event gives them more time to build their toy collection before the holidays arrive.

“We’re always looking to help when we can, and it just fell into place. It was a great day,” Malstroa said.

“We’re just a group of folks with different backgrounds that all have the same kind of ideas. We want to do something good for our community, so this is the place to be,” Resmondo said.

“It makes my heart smile. Everybody else was just so on board with us, and we had a great turnout,” Malstroa said.

All riders shared the same goal of giving back to their community. Every toy donated will help make Christmas brighter for a local child, organizers said.