East Tennessee motorcycle club raises money for local elementary schools

CLINTON, Tenn. (WATE) – An East Tennessee motorcycle club raised money for local elementary schools in Clinton on Saturday for their annual backpacking trip.

The Vendetta Motorcycle Club organized a ride to donate backpacks, supplies and money to the schools.

“I love both. I love riding and I love helping the kids,” said club member Thomas Crites.

Crites has participated in the ride since its inception in 2015.

“It means a lot to me to help people who need help because I’ve been in a situation before where I needed help and people helped me,” he said. “Now I’m in a position where I can help others.”

Club President Robert Arwood said the idea for the trip came from their Illinois chapter. Since many of the crew members grew up in the area, they decided to donate to their elementary schools.

“Last year we gave out 60 backpacks. There were ten per class, five for the boys, five for the girls, and they had all the school supplies they needed,” Arwood said. “Then we gave money to the school and gave them extra supplies. We also gave extra supplies to Lake City Elementary School and North Clinton Elementary School.”

Initially, all donations went to Claxton Elementary, but as the drive expanded, donations increased.

“It means a lot to me,” Arwood said. “My son went to school there when he was little, and I get to give back and help kids that I know need it. It’s a labor of love.”

Now, Vendetta’s club has members from motorcycle clubs across East Tennessee joining it each year.

“It’s just a great feeling to know that we’re making a difference here in the community,” said the vice president of the Christian Motorcyclist Association in Clinton. “Every motorcyclist who participates in these things gives back to the community more than most.”

The ride started at Bike Rags in Clinton and ended at the Vendetta clubhouse in Powell.