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Bike clubs provide meals for 14 families
1125BikersThanksgiving
Becky Zachary and her children, Akira, Maeko and Li’Shen, were among the families who received a complete Thanksgiving meal from the motorcycle club community on Nov. 19. The clubs, members of the Hinesville Motorcycle Alliance, donated food to roughly 14 families in need. - photo by Phgoto by Patty Leon
Six local motorcycle clubs, all members of the Hinesville Motorcycle Alliance, rode their bikes to the Liberty County YMCA on Nov. 19 to deliver complete Thanksgiving meals to roughly 14 needy families.
Freddie L. Young, president of the Trend Setters Motorcycle Club and vice president of the Hinesville Motorcycle Alliance, said the group received a list of families in need from the Department of Family and Children Services, prompting a quick call to action from his clubs.
“We pitched in to put these all together,” he said, pointing to a table lined with turkeys and grocery bags.
Young said the alliance’s clubs are always looking for ways to give back to the community and change the way people see motorcycle clubs.
“We are not gang bangers and we give to many charities,” he said. “My club (Trend Setters) just ran the Woodland Day Care Center’s big barbecue, and we go out there every other Wednesday and play bingo with the folks. Anything that people call us and need help with, we’ll be there.”
Providing meals were members of the Trend Setters, Chosen Ryderz, Sistas with Vision, Street Dreams, World Wide Riders and Front Runners Motorcycle Clubs.   
“It’s all about putting a smile back on somebody’s face,” said Corey Spann, acting president of World Wide Riders. “To know we gave someone a Thanksgiving dinner makes us happy, as a bike club, knowing we are giving back to our community. We ride for the fun of riding, but we are also trying to help out, that’s all we want to do.”
Matthew McKnight, president of Chozen Ryderz, said many of his club members understand what it’s like to be in need.
“When we have the opportunity as a group to give back to the
community, it’s always a good thing,” he said. This signifies the giving and the tranquility and peace we want to give to everybody. We want to let people know we are not out there riding fast or being crazy, we have generous hearts and we want to give back to the community.”
  “This is helping out a lot,” Becky Zachary said. “It’s really been a rough year.” Zachary waited with her three children in tow as names were called and the meals distributed. She had her son grab the bag loaded with stuffing, cranberry sauce and all the trimmings associated with a Thanksgiving meals. She put down her daughter and carried the turkey.
Roshena Quarterman said the donation meant she could provide her family with with a turkey dinner.
“I didn’t know how I was going to do it,” she said. “God made a way and I want to thank these folks and God bless all of them.”
Young said the alliance is planning a toy drive for the holidays. Anyone wishing to donate should call Young at 977-4769.
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