On Oct. 20, the parking lot of the Billy Graham Library was filled with more than 1,300 motorcyclists from across the Southeastern U.S. Many rode through rain to Charlotte, North Carolina, to bring thousands of gift-filled shoeboxes for Operation Christmas Child.
At the very first Bikers with Boxes event, more than 200 generous motorcyclists carried over 500 boxes to the Library. This year, big-hearted bikers contributed more than 5,800 at the 11th annual event. Every single box helps Samaritan’s Purse brighten the lives of needy children around the world and share the Gospel.
Bikers came from the Carolinas; Washington, D.C.; Kentucky; Tennessee; Florida; and Ohio. One man, in town from Ireland, even made the trip.
This giant, colorful shoebox kept gift-filled boxes for children safe and dry. “These bikers have the biggest hearts, and we love that so many of them have made this event a yearly tradition. They are passionate about giving back, especially when it comes to kids, so Operation Christmas Child is the perfect opportunity for them to touch the life of a child,” said Melanie McIntyre, communications manager for the Billy Graham Library.
Brent Stine and his grandson, Emet, rode to the Library on his friend John’s bike. John Brock came to Bikers with Boxes with Brent last year but John was killed two months later while driving a semitruck. Last year’s trip to the Library event “was our last ride together,” Brent said. This year, he made the trip from Hickory to honor John—a friend since childhood. “Not a day goes by that I don’t think about him,” Brent said. “He was like a brother to me.”
Billy Graham Rapid Response Team chaplains prayed with many people throughout the day.
There was a great spirit of unity in the crowd. People enjoyed meeting new friends and catching up with old ones.
The Library served a complimentary lunch, and provided music and giveaways during the fun day.
Dania Yadago, seen here stepping down from a Billy Graham bus, received a shoebox as a child in the Middle East. Now, coming full circle with Operation Christmas Child, she shared her story and also how much God loves us at Saturday’s event.
Photo booth fun.
The rain didn’t keep this family from having a good time.
People also ventured inside the Billy Graham Library where they had an opportunity to take The Journey of Faith tour.
for yourself. There is much to see and do, with The Journey of Faith tour, the Graham Brothers Dairy Bar café and the Graham Family Homeplace. You can also visit the Memorial Prayer Garden, the final resting place of Billy and Ruth Graham, as well as other original team members. The hours are Monday–Saturday, 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
