'With You Always' Benefit Ride for soldiers Oct. 2

Show your support for local troops with the American Legion Riders as they sponsor a "With You Always," Benefit Ride, Oct. 2.

Earlier this year Debbie Emery, Midwest Motorcycle Apparel, Alta, organized a collection of care packages for area soldiers. Before the troops deployed they created a list of items they'd like to have while overseas. "We've got a good collection started," says Debbie's husband Gary. Items can be dropped off at Midwest Motorcycle Apparel at 115 S. Main Street, Alta or the Moose Lodge, Storm Lake. The ride name 'With You Always,' was inspired by the Bible Verse Matthew 28:20, says Debbie - "and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." "Everyone is welcome on this ride," says Gary. If you don't have a motorcycle, come in your car or truck. There is a $15 entry fee - this money will go towards purchasing postage for the care packages. Participants are also asked to bring an item from the care package list. See list below. The goal is to collect enough packages for about 100 soldiers. Registration for the ride will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on the day of the ride and departure will start soon thereafter. "This is a group ride so we will all ride together," says Gary. The ride, which will be between 100 and 120 miles, will wind through areas of the region and make seven to eight stops along the way and end at the Moose Lodge, Storm Lake. The Moose Lodge will be serving a meal at the end of the ride.

Care package items include:

Hygiene items - razors, Gold Bond Powder, sunblock, lip balm, lotion, nail clippers/emery boards, hand sanitizers.

Books/Fun stuff - hard bound journals, envelopes, stamps, magazines, coloring books or activity books, small box of crayons, beach balls, balloons, frisbees, small water guns, cards, travel games (magnetic), dice.

Food/Candy - (www.sweetservices.com) - Slim Jims, cheese crackers, Cheez-Its,100 Calorie Packs, peanuts, Jolly Ranchers, trailmix, butterscotch's, mints, Lifesavers, Root Beer Barrels, drink packs for bottled water (1 serving size), pudding packs, Jell-O packs, Pop Tarts, granola bars (www.dollardays.com) For more information contact Debbie at 712-730-6363.