From left, South Whitley Elementary School Principal Bryan Emmert accepts a backpack donation from Dan Cochran, Brad Coy and Scott Rupert of Jingoes Motorcycle Club.

SOUTH WHITLEY — South Whitley Elementary School recently received a welcome gift from several Whitko Community School alums who set out to help students in need.

Dan Cochran and Scott Rupert, along with their local motorcycle group, Jingoes Motorcycle Club, visited the school and presented Principal Bryan Emmert with 21 backpacks they had collected for students who might not be able to afford the equipment themselves.

The backpacks were well received and the message, according to Cochran, was simple.

“You always have a friend in a biker,” said Cochran. “So, I mean, if you’re ever in trouble or you need anything, and you see one, feel free to come up and ask for help.”

The idea to donate the backpacks started a few years ago, and has since has become a tradition for the group. Thanks to their assistance, they’re helping families reduce their back-to-school costs, one backpack at a time.