Motorcycle club member’s family, friends serve those in need Thanksgiving dinner at Gyles Park | Local News
Assisted by his family and fellow members of the Pit Bull Motorcycle Club, Timothy East fed people without homes Thanksgiving dinner at Gyles Park in Aiken on Sunday.
“We cook it all with love,” he said.
On the menu were ham, turkey, dressing, gravy, cranberry sauce and rolls.
In addition there were sides such as macaroni and cheese, green beans and rice.
For dessert there were slices of sweet potato pie and pound cake.
“We’re probably prepared to feed from about 150 to 200 people,” said East, who is a maintenance technician for the Aiken Housing Authority.
In the past, East played a major role in the preparation and serving of a meal to those in need on a regular basis around Thanksgiving time.
But then he took a two-year break.
East is back dishing up holiday fare in 2021 because of his grandchildren. He has eight.
Seven were at Gyles Park on Sunday when the dinner began, and East was expecting the other to arrive later.
“The grandbabies reminded me that this is what we do,” he said. “One of them said, ‘It’s time to feed again.’ ”
Helping the less fortunate, East believes, is a way to set a good example for his five children and their children.
“I’ve taught my kids and my grandkids that love and family are the most important things,” he said. “If I teach that, I’ve got to show that, so that’s what this is all about.”
In the Pit Bull Motorcycle Club, East is known as “Money.”
When he asked his fellow bikers to assist with this year’s Thanksgiving meal, they were eager to be a part of it.
“We’re brothers, and we do whatever we need to do to help each other out,” said John Barra. “If someone needs help, we’re there.”
Pit Bull President Michael Walker cooked the turkeys and hams. He also made the macaroni and cheese.
“We’re in this together,” he said. “We love putting smiles on people’s faces.”
Earlier this month, the club prepared and served Thanksgiving food to residents of New Hope, a public housing development in Graniteville.
Also available to the homeless at Gyles Park on Sunday were bag lunches, fruit and water provided by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Pine Log Road in Aiken.