HARLEY OWNERS TO COLLECT TOYS FOR UNDERPRIVILEGED CHILDREN

Toys for underprivileged children will be collected next month by the SEMO Harley Owners Group.

The annual collection drive will be held one day on Dec. 8 in the West Park Mall parking lot across from Steak-N-Shake. The same day a parade of motorcycles will leave the mall at 1 p.m. to go to the Pizza Hut restaurant on Broadway, said Ivan Underwood, the group's Santa Claus, and Elvis Underwood, group director.

They estimated 200 to 300 motorcycles will take part. Parade participants must donate one toy and one can of food to ride in the parade. All motorcyclists are welcome.

Last year the group, which has held the drive since forming three years ago, collected enough toys in a few hours to fill a trailer and pickup truck, they said. Last year was the first time the parade was held.

Nationally the Harley Owners Group sponsors activities to fight muscular dystrophy.