Santa coming through town

Saturday 100 Harley Davidson motorcycles will roar through downtown Blaine led by Santa Claus and hauling a load of toys.

“They’re so important to our program,” said Giving Tree organizer Laurie Hart of the Whatcom County Harley Owners Group, or HOG, which for five years has bolstered the local program to make sure every child has something under the tree at Christmas. “Last year we served 254 children in 100 families,” Hart said. “We were able to comfortably find sponsors for 50 of those families but after that we rely on donations from organizations like HOG.”

The HOG trip is more than just a donation drop, but a party. Starting at noon from the south end of Peace Portal Drive, the group will end up at the Stafholt Good Samaritan Center where residents and local kids will help unload toys. “We’re hoping to have lots of people show up,” Hart said. Guests will be served cider and snacks before roaring off into the sun.

The HOG visit is the unofficial kick-off for the Giving Tree. The program matches families with sponsors who buy two items of clothing and one toy for each child. If there aren’t enough sponsors for the families who sign up, donations like the HOG toys fill the gap. “Applications for families are already coming in and anyone who can sponsor them, please call Stafholt,” Hart said.

A benefit dance to raise money for gifts is scheduled for November 15 at the Dakota Creek Roadhouse. The evening will start with a salmon dinner and Crystal Tricycle will perform. Children are welcome until 9 p.m. and will have their own menus. Tickets are $15 per person or $5 for a child. To attend the dance only, bring $5 and an unwrapped new gift suitable for a child. Tickets are available at Stafholt, Pacific Building Center, the family service center, and the visitor’s information center.
For information call 332-8733. .

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