ROCKINGHAM — A convoy of bikers from across the region will hit the highway this weekend to help make Christmas a little brighter for children in Richmond and Scotland counties.
The fifth annual Back the Blue Ride is slated to start at the Bistro in Laurinburg around 10 a.m., with kickstands up at 11:15 to head to the Hide-A-Way Tavern just north of Rockingham.
For those starting at the biker-friendly bar, registration is from 11 a.m.-noon and will leave the Hide-A-Way at 1:15 p.m. — rolling by the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office, Rockingham Police Department, Hamlet Police Department, Laurinburg Police Department and Scotland County Sheriff’s Office on the way back to the Bistro.
Once they return, there will be a performance by the Blewett Dam Band. Puckered Up Lemonade and the Scotland County Republican Party will also be on site.
All law enforcement personnel, family and friends are encouraged to either participate or show support along the route as the bikes blow by.
In fact, the event is open to everyone, including car and truck clubs, jeeps and other first responders. Cost to ride is $20.
The ride was started in 2020 by longtime Laurinburg PD officer Chris Jackson following a nationwide backlash against law enforcement.
Jackson took a break from planning the event this year, but one of his fellow officers, Kevin Powell, took the reins.
“I do local outreaches through my church in Laurinburg where we give away free food and items,” Powell told the RO on Tuesday. “This was a great way to help the children in need.”
Powell actually started his career after meeting LPD Chief Mitch Johnson at last year’s ride. He started Basic Law Enforcement Training in January and was sworn in in June.
The amount raised has grown steadily from the start: $700 in 2020; $12,000 in 2021; $14,000 in 2022; and $17,000 in 2023.
Participating agencies each received $5,400 to go toward their respective programs last year.
Due to getting a late start, Powell said the goal is to raise $15,000 this year.
There will not be an auction this year, however, monetary donations are being accepted and will be until Dec. 7.
Donations can be made in cash or checks made payable to Powell. After the ride, Powell said he plans to start a GoFundMe page.
This will be the 12th year for Rockingham PD’s Shop with a Cop program, started by Officer Jan Owens. Last year, the department helped 15 children from Washington Street and L.J. Bell elementaries.
The sheriff’s office’s Shop with Deputy program began in 2020 under late sheriff James Clemmons with money from deputies’ participation in the no-shave program and donations from the community.
RCSO was able to help 32 children last year, plus hand out toys during parades in Ellerbe and Cordova.
For more information or to make a donation, contact Powell through Facebook, or by email at kpowell@laurinburg.org.
NOTE: This story was updated to include the cost to ride. 7:08 p.m. 9-17-24.
CORRECTION: This story was updated to correct the amount from the first ride. 10:19 p.m. 9-17-24
