The Kosciusko County chapter of American Bikers Aimed Towards Education (ABATE) once again donated items this year to Combined Community Services’ annual Toy Time drive, including 40 bikes. From left: Kosciusko ABATE Secretary Cheryl Ganger, Kosciusko ABATE Representative Jerry Ganger, Kosciusko ABATE Member Donnie Barton, Toy Time Organizer Ami Pitt, Kosciusko ABATE Member Kimmie Barton, Kosciusko ABATE Treasurer Dewayne Slone and Kosciusko ABATE Member Johnny Butler. InkFreeNews photo by Leah Sander.

By Leah Sander
InkFreeNews

WARSAW — Some kids will have a happier Christmas thanks to area bikers.

Kosciusko County ABATE has donated 40 bicycles and more than $2,500 worth of toys to Combined Community Services’ annual Toy Time drive. It’s been more than 30 years that the county chapter of American Bikers Aimed Towards Education has collected items for the Toy Time drive or a similar one.

The bikers dropped off the items at the collection site at the Kosciusko County Fairgrounds on Monday, Dec. 21. Their items along with others will go to children in need.

The club was able to supply the items despite not getting their usual grant from Walmart this year or being able to do their normal Treasures for Kids event, said Kosciusko ABATE Representative Jerry Ganger. The later event helps bring in money to buy toys for their CCS donation and couldn’t happen normally due to COVID-19.

Items this year either came from members or a few donations to the club. ABATE makes sure to collect items for ages not normally thought of, like items for older kids and diapers.

“That’s something most families can’t afford,” Ganger said of why the club buys bikes. He said the group also purchases items suggested by Toy Time Organizer Ami Pitt.

“We have built a wonderful relationship with them,” said Pitt. She said about 1,500 kids get toys each year through the program.