Each December, Marines and the Roanoke Valley Harley Owners Group gather in Salem for the annual Toys for Tots ride — a charity benefit that helps the toys program of the Marine Corps.

It’s been my privilege in past years to both ride my Harley in the event and to help as an official for the ride.

I missed last year because I was still hospitalized with injuries from a motorcycle accident in November 2012 but even though I’m not cleared yet to climb back on my Harley Davidson Super Glide, I will load cameras and gear into the Wrangler Sunday morning and head down to Salem to help the HOG Chapter with staging and also take photos and shoot video of the event.

Toys for Tots is a good cause because it brings Christmas gifts to needy children who might otherwise spend a joyless holiday.