The Selma Times-Journal

A motorcycle fleet from Centreville’s Sandy Chapel United Methodist Church entered the side gates of the United Methodist Children’s Home (UMCH) Sunday morning, bearing gifts and Holy Scripture to those inside.

In celebration of Bikers’ Sunday, Sandy Chapel has been donating gifts to UMCH for two years.

After a 9 a.m. church service, the bikers departed from Centreville at 10 a.m. and drove 45 miles to Selma. Sandy Chapel members Raymond and Barbara Freeman are the event’s coordinators.

Both have been working vigorously to make Biker’s Sunday a statewide event, having heard from riders in Tuscaloosa, Birmingham, Woodstock, Prattville, Clanton and areas in East Central Alabama.

“We’ve got a gift bag for every child,” Raymond said.

Added Barbara, “We’re a small, country church, and we try to do a lot of things during the year. But this is one of our bigger ones.”

The bikers gathered on the lawn of UMCH’s Children’s Village to distribute male and female-friendly gift bags and pocketbook Bibles.

Appearing sleepy at first, the children were suddenly jolted by the sight of the gifts.

“The children want to know what’s in the bags,” said UMCH South Central Regional Director Dr. Judy Manning. “The bikes are nice, but what’s in the bags keeps them intrigued.”

Before gifts were given, Barbara presented a check to UMCH in the amount of $1,248. Manning was very appreciative of Sandy Chapel’s donation.

“These kids cost us a lot of money, time and effort, but they’re worth it,” Manning said.

After the children said their goodbyes and wished the fleet well in their travels, the bikers dined at Our House Restaurant before returning to Centreville.