The Caloosahatchee Chapter of ABATE of Florida Motorcycle Club is gearing up its adopt-a-family program for the holidays.
The club is again accepting nominations for the program, where eight families are selected to receive food and gifts during the holidays.
Though Christmas is still more than three months away, it takes a while for the organization to sort through the nominations, especially now as the economy has most families reeling.
Chapter president Roy Steel said a 10-person committee selects the families based on their financial situation.
“We’re looking for the neediest of the needy,” he said. “We start early because it takes a while to sort through this stuff because we want to make sure the families are in need.”
The Caloosahatchee Chapter of ABATE has been helping families in this manner for the 15 years.
Traditionally, more than 100 bikers, along with Santa and Mrs. Claus, are escorted by Cape Coral police as they deliver the food and gifts to the homes of the chosen families.
Each family thinks only one person will deliver the food. They have no idea that several motorcycles will come roaring up to their door bringing holiday tidings.
“The families get a hint,” Steel said. “When all these bikes come rolling in, it’s pretty hard to keep it a secret.”
With so many families suffering in the Cape, he said it is difficult knowing the organization can only help so many.
Steel is now reaching out to those who might know someone who needs help during the holidays.
“We do this to give back to the community,” he said.
In order to nominate a family for ABATE’s adopt-a-family program, call Steel at 218-5582 or e-mail caloosa.prez@gmail.com.
ABATE members Kelly Smith, at 245-4669, or Marion Ward, at 939-4094, are also available to collect nominations and provide details.