Southern MD Dirt Riders Aided The Center For Children at Annual Christmas Party - Southern Maryland News Net
On December 8th, for it’s 16th year in a row the Southern Maryland Dirt Riders came to the aide of The Center For Children in providing something special for those children in need at Christmas time. Many gifts of all shapes and sizes were donated by SMDR members for the children. Not only that, Santa and Mrs. Claus being long time Southern Maryland Dirt Riders members also attended the party and rode in the club parade.
The weather was very cold but this did not deter them from the annual event. They met behind the Jaycees building in Waldorf, MD, where The Center For Children holds it’s party. Waiting for the assigned time, with a quick signal they were led with flashing lights by Charles County Officer D. Baker in his cruiser from the back lot, forming a parade traveling up and down the parking lot rows out front.
The excitement of the children was obvious right away. They had been moved to the outside and were singing Christmas carols. High pitched squeals, giggles and laughter are heard as soon the cruiser and first motorcycles rounded the corner of the building. Dirtbike riders of all age groups reving engines and weaving in and out of the lanes trying to give each child a little something extra to remember about the night.
Once the parade stopped Santa did his best to keep the excitement going for each child. Then before going inside to receive their gifts the children sat on Santa’s motorcycle along with the dirt bikes of all of the attending members.
Once inside not only enjoying the warmth of the building, everyone involved continued to party listening to music provided by DJ Bulldog & Karaoke. This is as Santa and Mrs. Claus posed for pictures with each and every child. Taking their time and truly listening to each ones requests.
This years event like those in the past brought lots of cheer and smiling faces. Not only for the children but for the SMDR members and the other numerous volunteers who love to participate in this.
There were 188 children in attendence along with parents or guardians. There were craft projects such as hand made ornament and neckless making. Also, a variety of games were available to the children to participate in. Airplane making was even provided by the military volunteers from Andrews Airforce Base and Paula Sorrells, board member of The Center For Children and owner of JellyBeans Child Development, provided face painting.
Volunteers this year not only included the Southern Maryland Dirt Riders but also military crews from Andrew Air force Base, the Pentagon and The Center For Children staff.
Food at the event was provided by Pizza Hotline.
Sponsors for the event were Greater Waldorf Jaycees, the Southern Maryland Dirt Riders, Texas Roadhouse in La Plata, Cold Stone Creamery, Sweet Frog, World Gym, Red Robin Gourmet Burgers, Live Out Loud Yoga, and The DropZone.
Drop-In Child Care Center provided the raffles.
The vendors at the event were DJ Bulldog & Karaoke, Freecupcakewraps.com, Teddy Bear Connections, Macaroni Kid from Charles County, and Santa Photography provided by Mark Hannallah and Terry Stancliff, who is also a board member of Center for Children.
Please click HERE to view all photos provided by Mike Batson Photography.
by Rita Fox
