For it is giving that we receive.
—St. Francis of Assisi

The Sons of the Savior Motorcycle Ministry of Fayetteville is hosting the Christmas in July Toy Run to benefit the Salvation Army of Fayetteville Angel Tree Program and Fayetteville Urban Ministries on Aug. 2, 2025. The event will be held at Fort Bragg Harley-Davidson from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Coffee and donuts will be available upon registration at 9:30 a.m. At 11 a.m., it will be time for “kickstands up;” an escorted ride to the Salvation Army of Fayetteville will commence, ending with hamburgers and hot dogs. The registration fee is $10, and a new, unwrapped toy is required for all riders. The sponsors for this event are Sons of the Savior MM Exodus Chapter, the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office and Fort Bragg Harley-Davidson. For more information, contact email sonsofthesavior.fayetteville.nc@gmail.com
Scott Justus, Robert House, Gary Benfield and Roy Shelson founded the Sons of the Savior MM in March 2014. The gentlemen knew the need for a brotherhood and sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ, but more importantly, put their faith into action.
“We like to say we are a ministry with a riding habit. We thank the Salvation Army for their leadership and shared vision,” they said.
The founders have diverse backgrounds ranging from drug abuse to being a first responder, a business owner and a professional wrestler. The Sons of the Savior MM has various chapters of the motorcycle ministries, such as Genesis, Exodus, Dauntless, Legacy, and Agape. Two new motorcycle ministries are opening in Topeka, Kansas, and Austin, Texas.
The statement of purpose of the Sons of the Savior MM Exodus Chapter is to go into the world and preach the gospel.
“I have experienced a lifelong association with the Salvation Army, beginning at birth as the child of officers, who served as ordained ministers. I have consistently attended the Salvation Army church and supported its mission throughout my life. My life-long commitment is serving individuals in need without discrimination,” said Norman Zanders, president, Sons of the Savior MM Exodus Chapter. “I have served in the capacity of Emergency Disaster and Volunteer Coordinator at the Salvation Army for the past five years. One of my responsibilities consisted of participating in the Angel Tree program during Christmas time. It is vital to ensure that children in need receive gifts through the generosity of community donors and volunteers.”
The group aims to offer companionship and assistance to bikers as well as others encountered during the rides and gatherings, regardless of individual backgrounds or beliefs. The focus seeks to share encouragement, support during times of need, difficulty, bereavement, happiness, and celebration. Membership is open to motorcycle riders and people who drive automobiles.
“Every year, the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office conducts 'Shop with A Sheriff' Christmas in July toy drive. The Toy Drive is usually the last week in July at the various Walmart stores in Cumberland County. The donations are divided between the Salvation Army and Fayetteville Urban Ministries,” Zanders said. “This year, Sons of the Savior asked if we could partner with the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office to conduct a Christmas in July Toy Run to wrap up their ‘Shop with the Sheriff’ event. The answer was a resounding yes. The event on Aug. 2, will feature coffee, donuts, Christmas music, and Salvation Army mascot, Captain Kettle. The community style picnic serving hamburgers and hot dogs will be located at the Salvation Army Shelter, 245 Alexander Street.”
Great opportunities to help others seldom come, but small ones surround us every day, states Sally Koch. Share a small opportunity and purchase a new, unwrapped toy for the Christmas in July Toy Run.