Bikers ride for Bailey’s Boxes

Bailey’s Boxes is a well-known outreach program in Maricopa. On Sunday, May 24, a group of motorcycle enthusiasts will participate in the First Annual Bailey Box Run for Our Troops to support that program.

Herb Bailey, a disabled Vietnam veteran, founded Bailey’s Boxes after 9/11with monies from his service pension. The boxes go to troops serving in Iraq and Afghanistan; they contain useful items like toiletries, playing cards, candy, nuts, soap, books and socks. Since Bailey takes no salary and there is no overhead, all contributions and/or donations go directly to the contents and the postage to mail the boxes, which are sent year round.

Recently Bailey was diagnosed with spinal cancer and is having increasing health challenges. Several of his friends decided they needed to step up and help him out. “This program will continue no matter what,” said Carol Bell. “We are completely dedicated to continuing with what Herb has started.”

The friends, with support from the local VFW and American Legion posts, organized the first annual Herb Bailey Box Run. It will start from Arena Sports Grill on Sunday, May 24. Registration will be from 8-9:30 a.m. The fee is a $10 donation for a single rider and $15 for double riders on a bike.

Bikers will hit the road after registration for a 120-130 mile ride with a stop in Coolidge at the Galloping Goose, returning to Arena at 2 p.m. for a 50-50 drawing and door prizes.

“You don’t have to ride,” said Bell, who encouraged interested parties to come out and enjoy the event with their friends.

For more information about the Herb Bailey Box Run, call Carol 850-258-9698 or Terry 850-258-9700.

If you go:

What: First Annual Herb Bailey Box Run for Our Troops
When: Sunday, May 24, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Where: Begins and ends at Arena Sports Grill on John Wayne Pkwy.
Cost: $10 for one rider and $15 for two riders per bike

Note: Donations for Bailey’s Boxes can be dropped off at the Maricopa Chamber of Commerce on Hathaway Ave. next to the post office. Items currently needed include: Chap stick, gum, sun block, granola bars, paperback books, Gatorade packets, beef jerky, baby wipes, socks, hand warmers, canned fruit, hand moisturizer, store bought cookies, gallon Ziploc baggies, toenail clippers and foot powder. Letters and photos are always a welcome addition, and monetary donations go toward postage.

Photo by Joe Giumette