Area residents take part in the annual Harvest Time Ministries Toy Run

Riders from the Kennett area included, kneeling: Faye and Richard Rice, James Johnson. Standing: Dennis Wallace, Leon and Susan Jackson, Corey Bolton, Jim Blackmon, Scotty Pullam, Randy and Diane Bridges, Gary Abernathy, Sharon Riener, Ted and Bonnie Thurman, and Regina and John Pate. [Click to enlarge]

Beautiful sunshine and warm temperatures were the perfect setting for the Annual Harvest Time Ministries Toy Run that was held Saturday, October 15.

For the second year in a row, members and guests of the Freedom of Road Riders traveled from Missouri, Arkansas, and Tennessee and met at Lebo's Road House in Caruthersville. From there they took to the back roads for the wonderful motorcycle ride to Harvest Time Ministries in Blytheville, Ark. where they were treated to a meal of grilled hamburgers with all the trimmings.

Pastor Dale Ruddick explained to the group about the ministry the church has undertaken for the past 15 years. The "18 Wheels of Hope" consists of semi trucks which are loaded with bulk food, toys, and supplies and delivered to over 500 children in Beattyville, Ky. in the Appalachian Mountains. These children are from poverty stricken families who would not otherwise have toys and food for the holidays.

The ministry has also sent supplies to hurricane stricken areas as well as working with eight other agencies in Northeast Arkansas to supply bulk food to the poor, food pantries, and area missions.

For more information on donating food, toys, or supplies, contact Ruddick at (870) 762-2689 or (870) 763-3543.