Some 21 children in Crenshaw County received Christmas presents thanks to efforts by the Crenshaw County Riders.

The organization raised more than $1,500 at its eighth annual Biker Appreciation Day held after the Luverne Christmas Parade in December.

Pam Salter of the Riders said that the event is held each year as a way to show appreciation for the bikers who come to give presents to Operation Santa Claus, but it’s not just for bikers.

“Appreciation Day is different than the toy run,” she said.

Salter said some 68 bikers participated in the parade despite early morning rains and cooler weather.

“The temperature was 44 degrees when bikers went past the bank,” she said.

More than 100 people attended the appreciation luncheon, where they enjoyed Boston butt, grilled chicken, hot dogs, and an array of sides.

Salter said Julia Flowers, Nancy Thrower, Betty Joyce Washington, Lucy Blackwell, JoAnn Eiland and Megan Blackwell helped serve the meal, while the local Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts, along with Clifton and Stephanie Trotter pitched in to help with cleanup.

Sponsors of this year’s event were Horn Beverage, Pepsi of Luverne, Chicken Shack, Hooks, Food Depot, Ramey’s, South Alabama Electric Cooperative, Hometown Medical, Trisha’s Treasures, ALFA/Jimmy Morgan, First Citizen’s Bank, Hudson’s Heavy Duty, Mad Chucks Ink and Graphic Design, Petrey Wholesale, Flower’s Bread Co., Don McHenry, Norman and Susan Hagler, AutoZone, Julia’s Restaurant, Amity Construction, Family Practice Associates/Dr. Charles and Susan Tompkins and Bill Matthew Construction.

Salter said the organization’s other fundraisers include camp stew sales, in which the next one will be held at the end of January.

“Riders came from nearby counties and Millbrook and Montgomery,” she said. “A couple from Andalusia that usually rides on bike, came up on their car to bring gifts and donate. They were thinking it may keep raining, but they still wanted to come.”

Prior to the parade, members provided coffee, hot chocolate and donuts for riders.

“We want to thank everyone that came out to donate and give,” she said.