LIHU‘E — U.S. Marine Corps League Commandant Rod Green was overjoyed to hear the sounds of motorcycles on Veterans Memorial Highway on Saturday.
The motorcycle sounds were generated by riders of the Garden Isle Racing Association (GIRA) Motorcycle Class, which joined GIRA board member Rob Nelson in presenting Green and league volunteer Barbara Gusman with a load of toys and money to help launch this year’s Toys for Tots campaign.
The donation will help provide toys and holiday cheer to keiki and youth island-wide through coordination with The Salvation Army and churches.
“This will make Christmas a little brighter for our keiki here on Kaua‘i,” Green said.
The collection was hosted by GIRA at its last drag races for the year at Mana Raceway Park.
“Motorcycle rallies and parades have long been associated with Toys for Tots,” said Angel White, a GIRA member and motorcycle racer. “Members of the Motorcycle Class rallied to present the toys. GIRA saw this as an opportunity for all our racers and fans to give to an organization that will help the less fortunate children in our community.”
During the final year-end race weekend, Kaua‘i Motorsports presented a one-day motorcycle rental as a prize for all the racers donating a toy or toys. Longtime racer Bobby Barros went home with the random drawing premium.
“We are grateful to Kaua‘i Motorsports for their support and look forward to partnering with them during the next season during the GIRA Two-Wheel Takedown and toy drive,” said GIRA board member Rob Nelson.
Green, who was unable to attend this year’s Two-Wheel Takedown event, said he wants to make it out to Mana for the next event as well.
The Toys for Tots Collection, or drop-off site, is at Kaua‘i Veterans Center. The site is usually open on Friday evenings, Saturday and Sunday.
According to the www.kauai-hi.toysfortots.org website, individuals can donate, or request a toy, as well as take advantage of sponsorship opportunities. During the 2022 campaign, Toys for Tots distributed nearly 4,000 toys in support of nearly 1,500 keiki and youth on Kaua‘i.
For more information, local campaign coordinator Rod Green can be reached at 808-241-1907 or email kauai.hi@toysfortots.org.
