Christmas came early this year in Coney Island when members of Bikers for Brooklyn — including two dressed as Santa and Mrs. Claus — visited the Coney Island Community Day Care center on W. 27th Street on Nov. 19 to hand out free presents to neighborhood children ahead of the winter holidays.
Residents who toted their youngsters to the event said the trip was well worth it.
“My son’s very happy,” said Shieshia Taylor, whose 4 year old was pleased with his new toy truck — and the chance to sit on Santa’s lap. “I didn’t know [bike clubs] did things like that.”
The club’s president George Barker said the group holds the event to give back to kids in under-served communities. This year more than 100 bikers rode in an imposing motorcade from Kensington to Coney Island to deliver the gifts, which ranged from board games to sports equipment to stuffed animals.
“Kids always look forward to seeing Santa,” said Barker.
Nigerian immigrant Babatunde Olowolayemo said the free gift would help him save money.
“I really appreciate that they did this for us,” he said. “I’m definitely coming back next year.”
It was the 23rd time in it’s history that the riding club’s hosted a Christmas Toy Run.
Reach reporter Daniel Bush at dbush@cnglocal.com or by calling (718) 260-8310. Follow him at twitter.com/dan_bush.
