Chapter 55 in Hannibal, Mo., accomplished the mission of this program's third year: Giving the pre-K and elementary kids in five school districts hats and gloves for winter.
Fundraising and donations made the overwhelming task very manageable - monetary donations, the donations of purchased hats and gloves, and the love poured into over 500 handmade hats from area communities. This empowered the Riders to give almost 3,200 children, regardless of income, directly to the schools to handout - going directly to the children.
"If we can help keep these kids' heads and ears covered, maybe we stave off a head cold, or an earache. Mom doesn't need to miss work, take a child to the doctor and pay for a prescription, none of which many of these parents can afford. This can make or break a family's budget." said Riders Director Steve Gumble, explaining why such a simple thing can be so important.