FOLEY, Alabama — While many stereotypes of bikers bring to mind a burly, rough exterior, black leather, bandanas and maybe even a handlebar mustache, one group is changing that image. Perhaps members of Santas on Bikes, a charity group that delivers presents to needy families at Christmas, portrays something similar to the man with a red suit, big belly, white beard and jolly disposition.

In the fourth year of operation, the S.O.B. has grown into two groups, one visiting Foley and another stopping in Magnolia Springs this year.

Tim Bates, a founding member of the group, explained their role.

“What we do is find a family with children that are not going to have much of a Christmas, get a wish list to Santa from the parents, then pool our money and try to fill the list,” he said. “We all meet up at set time and location then escort the sleigh (truck) with all the presents to the home of the family.”

Bates led the pack of 20 motorcycles from Gulf Shores to Foley, while 18 motorcycles visited Foley from Seminole with the S.O.B.’s other organizer, Paul Johnson.

He said the members and families are thrilled to see toys arrive with accompaniment of roaring motorcycles.

“They (families) are always overwhelmed and very grateful and very thankful,” he recalled. “And it leaves us with a warm, fuzzy feeling.

“Everybody wants to donate and everybody wants to give. This gives us the opportunity to see exactly where the donations go. We just want to do something and we like anonymity. We like to just stand back and be another motorcycle to make noise.”

Johnson said he finds information on needy families through Ecumenical Ministries, a faith-based organization and partner of Baldwin County United Way.

“They help us find a house in a subdivision we can get in and out of with the bikes,” he explained. “Then we contact the parents and ask for the kids’ names and ages.

“You don't want to give a present to a 12-year-old girl, you want to give a present to ‘Sarah.’”

Bates expounded on the S.O.B. progression since 2008.

“For about five years prior to that, we would get a couple of friends together and buy Christmas for a family,” he explained. “Four years ago I was talking with a friend about possibly getting more people involved, and together we came up with Santas On Bikes.

“We put it together in just a few days and had about 20 bikes on the first ride. It was kind of flying by the seat of our pants but was one of the most rewarding things I had ever been a part of. We all agreed that it was worth doing every year, and we have. Every one of us that were in the first ride has been in the ride every year. The group is constantly growing and we do our best to get new people involved every year.”

He said he refers to the S.O.B.s as an open-ended charity because anyone can get involved. He hopes that as new participants join, they will begin their own group to distribute gifts in their own communities.

“It could be Santas in Jeeps, or Santas in Trucks or just anything,” he chuckled.

Johnson agreed that growing the organization would help more families and bring more like-minded people together since givers to all communities join by a bonfire after the deliveries. They share “hobo” stew, a concoction of meat stock combined with whatever canned vegetables the members bring, and they visit together to talk about the day’s experiences.

“We get together and we ride and we eat good,” he said. “It’s a win-win for everyone.”