ROCKINGHAM — There were a lot of thankful smiles and hugs on Saturday, Nov. 3 as members of the local motorcycle group Ol Skool Tribe worked together to feed a crowd of homeless men, women and children in the parking lot beside La Cabana Restaurant on U.S. 74 Business.
Marty Bundy, a member of Ol Skool Tribe, came up with the idea last year to provide assistance to this group of people in Richmond County — specifically those in the Rockingham area — who live on the streets.
For quite a while, Bundy has been taking food that has been left over from events, such as fundraisers and cookouts, to the homeless. Bundy says that he is always well-received and these men and women appreciate everything he brings them.
On this particular Saturday, not only did they get to enjoy all the grilled hot dogs they wanted, with mustard, ketchup, slaw, and chili, there was a trailer full of warm blankets and pillows, sweatshirts, coats and jackets they could search through. Shoes and socks, mittens and scarves were also part of the mix.
“I have been homeless on the streets of Rockingham for 20 years,” said Eric Taylor, a tall gentleman with curly tousled hair, wearing a camouflage jacket. “Not a lot of people can do what I do — live on the streets and be happy. You have to have faith in God. I want everyone to be happy. God loves all of us and wants all of us to be happy.”
Some of Ol Skool Tribe members assisting with Marty’s Mission included Eddie Dean, Gary Holt, Mike Poplin, Sean Vanscyoc, Billy Lewis and Eddie Nichols. Others helping with setting up, preparing and serving the hot dogs included Louann Rose, Pam Carter, Donna Cox and Cody Thompson.
Bundy expressed his appreciation to each of the businesses that contributed to this event, as well as to members of the Ol Skool Tribe that were present. Cox’s Second Hand Treasures of Rockingham donated the clothing and blankets; Highway 55 donated the hot dogs; Piggly Wiggly of Hamlet donated the hot dog buns; Sonic Drive-In donated the cole slaw; and Quality Oil and Gas Company donated the use of the parking lot and gas for cooking.
