Santa and Mrs. Claus will ride into the new Mike’s Famous Harley-Davidson in New London Saturday, Dec. 12, from 12 to 3 p.m. to support the U.S. Reserve Marine Corps annual ‘Toys for Tots’ campaign.
This free event will include photos with Santa and the whole family … even pets are welcome. Santa will greet visitors in a Harley-Davidson® sidecar set in front of a traditional stone fireplace within the former Coca-Cola® factory. Each child will receive a free gift from Santa and parents will receive a $10 gift certificate to Mike’s Famous® for each toy contributed. Festive refreshments will also be offered.
The showroom not only features motorcycles, ATVs and watercraft, but also boasts an extensive selection of riding gear, accessories, clothing, and toys; there’s something fun for every member of the family at this exciting new venue.
Mike’s Famous Harley-Davidson is the New London County collection and staging headquarters for ‘Toys for Tots’, locally sponsored by the Thames River Detachment Marine Corps League. For months, the community has been donating toys and the Marines have been collecting, sorting and staging the gifts inside of Mike’s Famous®. The initiative will provide toys to children represented by dozens of charities and non-profit organizations this holiday season. Additionally, non-perishable food items are being accepted for donation to the Gemma E. Moran United Way Food Center.
“We are thrilled beyond belief to be working with Mike’s Famous Harley-Davidson this year on our annual toy drive,” said Jim Reid, Junior Vice Commandant of the Thames River Detachment Marine Corps League. “As always, Mike has gone above and beyond the call of duty and has spent a lot of resources to accommodate our needs. In past years, we have worked in unheated warehouses and other tough conditions. Our very comfortable headquarters at Mike’s Famous is absolutely fantastic, and his staff has been great to work with. We are extremely grateful,” Reid added.
Mike’s Famous Harley-Davidson is the 2015 recipient of the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut’s Military Community Support Award, given annually to Chamber member businesses that have gone above and beyond to show support of the region’s men and women in uniform. Mike’s Famous was selected because of its outstanding commitment to supporting active military members as well as veterans. The dealership’s programs include Operation Personal Freedom® which offers a free Harley-Davidson Riding Academy® Beginner’s Rider Course for all active and retired military personnel. Mike’s Famous works regularly with the Wounded Warrior Project® and Adaptive Sports Foundation to improve the lives of service men and women who are living with post-traumatic stress disorder and physical handicaps. They have also raised and donated thousands of dollars for military veterans and veterans’ assistance programs, and the dealership organizes many additional events and programs to thank active personnel and veterans for their service.
The objectives of ‘Toys for Tots’ are to help less fortunate children throughout the United States experience the joy of Christmas; to play an active role in the development of one of our nation’s most valuable resources – our children; to unite all members of local communities in a common cause for three months each year during the annual toy collection and distribution campaign; and to contribute to better communities in the future.
Mike’s Famous Harley-Davidson is located at 951 Bank Street in New London, CT. The new dealership opened in March of 2014 in 55,000 square feet within the former Coca-Cola® bottling plant. It also represents the Can-Am® brands of ATVs, Side-by-Sides, Spyders® and Sea-Doo® Watercraft, and carries the full line of Polaris® recreational products.