Volunteering often looks like rolling up your sleeves and getting your hands dirty, but it can also include revved motors, shiny chrome, and fishing hooks. In the weeks leading up to Christmas, volunteers share their passion to bless others in countless ways.
The roar of engines echoed down the private road leading to River Hill Refuge (RHR) as members of Full Throttle Biker Church arrived for their Bug Splat Motorcycle Run. This event supports the ministry of Baptist Children’s Homes (BCH), which serves children in foster care.
A fun twist to the ride included the “bug splat” competition, where riders placed targets on their headlights. The rider with a bug splat closest to the target won the challenge. While at RHR, the children got to see the motorcycles up close. Sitting on the bikes brought smiles and laughter to children, foster parents, staff, and riders alike. Motorcycle riders have a long history of serving and loving BCH’s children.
This Christmas season, motorcycle riders from Temple Church will participate in the 32nd Annual Toy Run for Kennedy Home the Saturday after Thanksgiving. Riders will arrive on campus dressed in festive holiday gear, bringing toys for the children. As they roll down Cedar Dell Lane, they will be greeted with welcome signs made by the children, families, and staff.
The day will be filled with excitement as the children enjoy sitting on motorcycles, sharing high fives, and enjoying hot dogs. The event will end with a silent auction, marking a day filled with gratitude—not only for the toys provided but also for the love and care shown through the riders' presence.
Members of the Randolph County Concerned Bikers Association will head to Mills Home (MH) on Sunday, December 8, for their 38th Annual Toy Run. Hundreds of bikes will surround Mills Home Baptist Church as the children and families cheer and wave. This unforgettable day will leave a lasting impression on the young hearts watching the riders arrive with toys and donations.
It’s not just motorcycle riders making an impact. Fishermen and women from Parkview Baptist Church in Morehead City will host their third annual Kennedy Home Coastal Fishing Tournament. Time spent casting lines and hooking fish has become a meaningful way to invest in the lives of children, with all proceeds benefiting BCH.
Christmas for children in care is bittersweet. Thanks to generous volunteers and donors, children will wake up to presents under the Christmas tree. But there will also be heartache as they miss their families. Please don’t underestimate the difference your hour, gift, or words of encouragement can make in the life of a child.
To “find your spot” to serve, visit www.bchfamily.org/volunteer or contact me at kbutts@bchfamily.org. Whether you serve on a BCH campus, give a Christmas gift, or make a donation, you are extending the hand of Christ to children and families who need to know the hope of the Baby in the manger.
Written by Kristyn Butts, BCH Director of Volunteer Engagement