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The Triple C Riders, a local motorcycle riding group, graciously donated toys to give to pediatric patients at BAMC. Pictured from left to right: Cindy Smith (Pharmacy), John Smith (IT), Cindy Schahczinski, RN (1-East), Bruce Vogeltanz - President of Triple C Riders, Sandy Ermas, RN (1-East), and Peach Blake - Vice President of Triple C Riders

(Marinette, Wis.) – This holiday season, pediatric patients at Bay Area Medical Center (BAMC) will receive an unexpected gift, thanks to the toy collection program sponsored by a local, non-profit riding organization.

Wanting to give the children who are hospitalized during the holiday season an extra reason to smile, members of the Triple C Riders voted to carry-out this toy collection program during their monthly meeting in October. The Triple C Riders design their community efforts around supporting the local needs of Marinette, Menominee and Oconto Counties.

“The generosity of our community and organization members is very special,” said Bruce Vogeltanz, president of Triple C Riders. “Our goal was to bring a smile to a child who may otherwise miss the holiday spirit due to an illness.”

From November 1 through December 15, 2006, the Triple C Riders set up toy collection boxes at Van Eyck’s Custom Cycle, Peshtigo; Cozzy’s Polaris, Marinette; and during organization meetings held at Good Times Pub & Grub, Marinette. Through the collection program, the Triple C Riders collected approximately 100 new gifts and toys and personally brought them to BAMC.

“Receiving the donation of gifts and toys for the children was really heart-warming,” said Bobbi Morton, nursing director. “Plus, the benefit of receiving the toys has gone well beyond providing a special gift to our pediatric patients. The smiles worn by the members of our nursing staff says a lot for how they feel as well.”

The gifts and toys will be distributed to the BAMC pediatric patients until they are all given away.