Thursday, October 1, 2026
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Shelby, NC (WNN) - For the 37th year, the Windjammers Motorcycle Club completed a toy run, starting at Cleveland Mall and concluded at the Children's Homes of Cleveland County.
The tradition, which has been held since 1988, takes place two weeks before Christmas. It is a fundraising event for Children's Homes of Cleveland County, a 501(c)(3) non-profit that has helped at-risk and marginalized children for over 50 years through foster care, adoption services, mental health support, and youth programs.
The windjammers raise money and collect toys to bring joy to foster children during the holiday season every year.
Some of the toys given away on a truck- Windjammers Toy Drive - December 13th, 2025
Mason Beam (WNN)
Greasy and Skeeter, president and vice president of the Shelby-based Windjammers, said the club has been helping families during the holidays since its founding in 1971.
The group started with 13 charter members. They were a group of men who loved riding their motorcycles and wanted to have a family activity for their children to enjoy. The group has experienced significant growth over time. They spend year-round organizing activities to raise money and collect toys for kids.
The many who helped donate toys to children in need- Windjammers Toy Drive - December 13th, 2025
Mason Beam (WNN)
"We help all the kids in Cleveland County and the surrounding areas," Skeeter said. "And then we go out and help a family nobody knows about. That way we won't make them look bad."
The 2024 toy drive proved to be a hit for the organization. Greasy mentioned that the event was successful, bringing in $21,000 in cash gifts, as well as two truckloads of toys.
The event draws about 10 motorcycle clubs that help donate each year.
Among those who traveled the farthest were members of the Wisconsin Windjammers, a separate organization that connected with the Shelby club through Facebook 12 years ago. Butcher, who has been participating for four years, said the Wisconsin group drives down without their motorcycles, with the Shelby Windjammers providing bikes for the event.
The Wisconsin Windjammers- Windjammers Toy Drive - December 13th, 2025
Mason Beam (WNN)
"It's amazing with all the toys that are donated and then going out to the children's home and seeing the reaction to the kids there," Butcher said.
The Shelby Windjammers have maintained their commitment to the community regardless of weather conditions. Skeeter recalled having to push motorcycles out of driveways when it snowed during one of their annual toy drives years ago.
"You've got to do it," he said.
Those interested in donating or contacting the Windjammers can reach Greasy at 704-300-7064 or Skeeter at 704-297-6588. The club also welcomes new members who want to participate in their charitable efforts.
Greasy told our WNN team that the organization's success depends on community support. "We couldn't do it without the help of the community," he said. "We're not that big of a club, so we need all the help we can get."
Two men loading toys into the truck- Windjammers Toy Drive - December 13th, 2025
Mason Beam (WNN)
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