Blog

Nov 04, 2024

‘Saddle up’: For its 45th year, annual New London gift run hopes to spread holiday cheer

New London ― Jim Costello, a Harley-Davidson rider and 25-year organizer of the annual Gift Run, said the event is “what Christmas is all about.” He said it in his speech to hundreds of bikers who

New London ― Jim Costello, a Harley-Davidson rider and 25-year organizer of the annual Gift Run, said the event is “what Christmas is all about.”

He said it in his speech to hundreds of bikers who gathered outside Mike’s Famous Harley-Davidson Sunday for the 45th year of the run. The run, which benefits individuals served by the Department of Developmental Services, is organized every November by Mike’s Famous Harley-Davidson, and the New London chapter of the Harley Owners Group (H.O.G.).

Costello, along with wife and fellow organizer Candy Costello dress each year as Santa and Mrs. Claus.

“Saddle up,” Costello said. “Wheels up in five minutes.”

With those words, about 200 motorcycles outside Mike’s Famous Harley-Davidson, of New London started their engines. riders mostly were dressed in leather ― jackets, pants and chaps.

Then the Costellos led the run, along with state police troopers. They rode in a staggered formation to Camp Harkness in Waterford. Camp Harkness, a park for people with developmental disabilities, is run by the state Department of Development Services.

Some bikers were already at Camp Harkness, waiting for them to arrive.

There, Mark Irvine stood with fellow members of Branded Ones MC Connecticut, a New London-based motorcycle club that was started in 1964. Irvine said members of the club have attended the gift run since it began in 1979.

“We come down early,” Irvine said. “Just because we’re a club, so we ride together.”

Irvine, who rides a Harley-Davidson 2022 Road Glide ST, a lightweight but powerful touring bike meant for long rides, said the ride is a good way to give back to the community because it benefits children and the less fortunate.

As Irvine explained that the clubs also hosts its own holiday drive each year, collecting presents in November and December, the rumble of engines could be heard in the distance. It grew louder.

It was shortly after 1 p.m. when the bikers who participated in the run arrived back at Camp Harkness, with their radios on. Costello led them, with his bike the first to appear over a hill and ride down to a Camp Harkness parking lot where others would line up beside him.

After parking, the motorcyclists got in line to drop off their toys, cash or gift cards to a waiting group of Department of Developmental Services case workers and other volunteers who were collecting them.

On tables, there were piles of clothing ― men’s, women’s and children’s ― gloves, stuffed animals, and many different kinds of toys ― Barbies, toy cars, action figures, arts and crafts, puzzles and board games. Gift cards were collected in a shoe box.

“As you can see, it’s a giving day,” said Jacqueline Staller, office assistant at Camp Harkness. “It;s a day for people to do what they love to do, and give to people in need.”

Cres Secchiaroli, regional director for the state Department of Developmental Services, said the donations can “make a big difference” to individuals being helped by the department, and their families.

“You know, times are tough,” he said. “These gifts can really help out. It’s an awesome thing.”

Elisa Marcoux, director of Camp Harkness, pointed out motorcyclists jackets indicated that they had “come from all over the state.”

Like the members of the H.O.G. Western Connecticut chapter, who after donating their items stood waiting for the results of a raffle ― another way the event raises money. The Western chapter, member Jim “Oz” Oslander explained, like all H.O.G. chapters is affiliated with a Harley Dealer. Their chapter’s is Yankee Harley, in Bristol.

“The ride was great,” Oslander said, adding he donated two children’s toys. “It’s very well-organized.”

Fellow western chapter member Amy “Phyllis” Green works for the developmental disabilities department, as a case manager.

“Case manager by day, and bike manager by weekend,” she said proudly. “As a motorcycle rider, it’s great to be able to support the people that you work with.”

Susan Hickman, event coordinator and marketing manager for Mike’s Famous Harley-Davidson, said in 2023 the gift run raised just over $12,241. Costello said in the last 45 years, $400,000

“We hope to beat that record this year, but it fluctuates sometimes. It’s usually around that,” Hickman said.

The run started off 45 years ago ― in December 1979 ― by Don and Rose Werner. It was called the “toy run” back then.

Costello and Don Werner estimated this year the run would raise over $15,000.

“It was just some kind of spontaneous thing that we decided with our customers,” Rose said, wearing a black jacket with Harley embroidered on the back in pink sequins. “The first one was at Ocean Beach. And it’s progressed since then.”

Don and Rose explained after five years of the “toy run,” the state wanted the name changed from that to a “gift run,” so that gifts could cater to older crowds, not just children. And then in the mid-’90s, there were a couple times the run got snowed out, so they moved it to November.

“The Department of Developmental Services is the recipient, and (the people they serve) are not kids anymore,” Rose said. “A lot of them are in group homes all over the state. So it’s gift cards and clothing and things like that are good things to bring.”

“Oftentimes, these are some of the only gifts these families receive for the holidays. So it does make a big impact,” Hickman said.

[email protected]

Comments are limited to 200 words in length.

Story comments on theday.com are intended to be civil, friendly conversations. Please treat other participants with respect and in a way that you would want to be treated. You are responsible for what you say. Please, stay on topic. If you see an objectionable post, please report it to us using the "Report" link included on every post.

Please note that comments are monitored by theday.com staff. We reserve the right at all times to remove comments that are off-topic, unlawful, threatening, abusive, libelous, defamatory, obscene, vulgar, pornographic, profane, indecent or otherwise objectionable. Personal attacks, especially on other participants, are not permitted. We reserve the right to permanently block any user who violates these terms and conditions.

Comments that are long, have multiple paragraph breaks, include code of any kind, or include hyperlinks to objectionable material may not be posted.

Read the full policy here.

Comment

Total word count: 0 words. Words left: 200.