Pam Howard started Bikers for Kids in Need in 2018, recognizing the significant need to assist children in the community. “I knew there was a much greater need in our Great Falls community at Christmas time, and being smart enough to understand that this was going to take a lot of work, I realized one, two, or even three people couldn’t and shouldn’t try to do it on their own,” she explained.

Bikers for Kids in Need grows each year, asking the community for help by encouraging individuals to take tags from the giving tree and become the best Secret Santas. Community members donate turkeys and hams, which are some of the most expensive items for holiday meals. Volunteers then deliver meals, toys, and more to families, ensuring that children typically receive a gift that day since deliveries are made before Christmas. If the weather permits, the kids even get to enjoy the motorcycles during the visit.

In addition to holiday assistance, Bikers for Kids in Need provides special support for students who fall under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act. In the week leading up to Christmas break, they contact schools to find out how many kids are in this program. They purchase gift cards, bus passes, and food cards, which are then delivered to the schools. Principals and counselors distribute these items to the children in need.

Bikers for Kids in Need asks parents to indicate their children’s needs on applications, which typically include winter clothes, socks, and hygiene products. They encourage parents to include other items that could bring joy to the children, such as Legos, art supplies, and more.

The organization also focuses on providing meals for families, ensuring they receive enough food to last for days.

The team at Bikers for Kids in Need works tirelessly to ensure that as many children as possible receive assistance. They are exploring options to extend their work throughout the year, concentrating on education and addressing the drug crisis.

Collaboration with the community is key concerning the giving trees. They partner with local food banks and also buy bulk items from stores like Walmart to supplement what they receive. Families benefit from a wide array of supplies, including turkey, salt, pepper, butter, eggs, milk, and even the necessary cooking pans.

Bikers for Kids in Need encourages local businesses, sports teams, and offices to adopt families for assistance. For example, a group of five women in an office might each take a child from a family of five. The organization believes that working together on a giving initiative is incredibly rewarding and fosters a strong sense of community spirit.

For more information on how you can help Bikers for Kids in Need, please contact them through Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/bikers4kidsinneed.gf.mt and let then know you found them in the Great Falls Gazette.