MANSFIELD, Ohio —Ashland, Mansfield, Medina and Wooster chapter members of the Gold Wing Road Riders Association toted puzzles, story books, coloring books and crayons to OhioHealth MedCentral’s main doors on Sunday — all with smiles and an evident spirit of giving.
About 60 Honda Gold Wing riders shared the same mission: to give story books, coloring books, puzzles and crayons to children in need as part of the association’s annual Story Book Run.
There to gather the supplies for the hospital with warm “thank-you’s” were sisters Sammie and Erica Thompson, 8 and 6 years old respectively. The supplies will then be distributed to children in the hospital’s pediatric center and OhioHealth MedCentral’s Pediatric Therapy on Fourth Street.
Previously known as the Teddy Bear Run, the hospital recommended story and coloring books, puzzles and crayons to avoid allergy problems, said OhioHealth MedCentral Administrative Vice President Brad Peffley.
Peffley was all smiles when the motorcyclists streamed into the main entrance one-by-one. “We just want to welcome you all and tell you how much we appreciate this event,” said Peffley in an address to the association. “All of the things you guys bring come in handy here and at Fourth Street. Even for siblings who come to visit patients.”
Peffley said the event has occurred for 10 years and the hospital looks forward to the event each year.
Former Chair Director of Mansfield’s chapter Jim Culler has ridden his Honda Goldwing in the association for 30 years. He said he hopes the puzzles and books comfort the patients.
“When people are in the hospital they can get lonely and it’s a scary place, maybe even for adults. Maybe this is a comforting thing for them. I hope it helps with that and they’re road to recovery,” said Culler.
OhioHealth MedCentral Communications Representative Anne Miller said the puzzles help with fine motor skills in children, but also in adults who have suffered from strokes.
“That’s a nice plus,” she said. “And this also gives these people (association members) a chance to rally with a purpose. I think they do these sorts of charity things a lot,” added Miller.
Cathy and Dennis Carpenter, 12-year members of the Mohican Valley Wing Chapter V, confirmed Miller’s hunch.
“It’s like a family; we come from all over [Ohio]. It’s fun to do this sort of stuff together. We even get together in the winter, we just drive our cars instead,” said Cathy Carpenter, laughing.
The Mohican Valley Wing Chapter V of Ashland plans on doing it all over again on Sept. 27, when they participate in Ashland Medical Services’ Teddy Bear Run.
For information on how to become a GWRRA member, visit their website.
“When people are in the hospital they can get lonely and it’s a scary place, maybe even for adults. Maybe this is a comforting thing for them. I hope it helps with that and they’re road to recovery,” said Jim Culler.
