Bikers Participate in 8th Annual Benjamin Smiles Toy Run (by Pastor Eric Hann)

Online, July 15, 2010 (Newswire.com) - On Sunday, July 11, 2010 about 100 motorcycle riders and other vehicle drivers participated in the 8th annual Benjamin Smiles Toy Run. The run is sponsored by C & C Cycle in Chariton, Iowa, and is named after Benjamin Mollett "Smiles" (son of Vicki and Arnold Mollett). Benjamin, at the age of 5, was diagnosed with a rare form of lung cancer, and went to be in Heaven in 1999. He was known as a boy who loved to smile and laugh. A particular event that made him light up and smile while he was in the Primary Children's hospital in Salt Lake City, was when a group of bikers made a "Toy Run" in an effort to bring toys to needy kids. This particular Iowa toy run (from Chariton to the Blank Children's hospital in Des Moines) is the vision of Benjamin's aunt Peggy Curtis, who desired to have a toy run in his name to pass on the blessing he felt when he was in the hospital and a group of bikers brought gifts to appreciative children. This year, following a morning worship service at Cornerstone Community Church which emphasized that Jesus has a heart for children - even the threat of rain couldn't faze the faith and fortitude of those involved in the "run." Following prayers for the rain to stop, Bikers gathered at C &C Cycle just over an hour later to greet welcomed sunshine and perform a good deed for some "little ones." The gifts included; pillows, blankets, toys (puzzles, color books, colors, race cars, barbies), disposable cameras, photo albums, digital key chains, among other items. Donations also included gas discounts and cash. All these were from donation sources concerning which there are too many to list - with the donators spanning from Iowa, Pennsylvania, Washington CD, Illinois, Wisconsin, Kansas, Idaho, and California. Safety help for riders was also provided by the Chariton, Melcher, Carlisle, and Polk County Police departments. Among the many recipients of this effort, one family member of the children said "my niece really appreciated it." Peggy Curtis stated "it brought tears to our eyes because that little extra made a difference in some family's day."