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Rebel with a cause

BY BECKY MALKOVICH, the southern

Wednesday, November 21, 2007 8:52 PM CST

MARION - They may not have bells on their choppertails, but participants in the Dec. 1 Terry Sprague's Toys for Tots toy run hope to make spirits bright for hundreds of area children this Christmas morning.

The motorcycle run will be open to anyone who donates a new toy or makes a cash donation to the Toys for Tots program that provides gifts to less fortunate children in Southern Illinois.

The toy run will carry on the work of the late Terry Sprague of Marion, said Shad Zimbro, co-owner of Black Diamond Harley-Davidson in Marion.

Sprague died last spring after his motorcycle was struck by an alleged drunk driver.

"Terry got it started and we want to keep his efforts going," Zimbro said. "Last year they had a very big turnout and we hope just as many or more come out this year."

Grand marshal of the run will be retired Chief Petty Officer Roger Smith of the U.S. Navy Seabees, also the activities director for the Black Diamond Harley-Davidson HOG (Harley Owners Group) Chapter of Southern Illinois.

Smith, a West Frankfort resident, said Sprague got him involved in the toy run last year.

"Terry was a really great guy who loved everybody, kids especially," Smith said. "Last year we filled a Hummer with toys and made Christmas Day brighter for a lot of kids. Hopefully we can do it again this year for Terry."

John Morgan, local coordinator for the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots program, said there is a great need for the program in this area.

"Two years ago we had 3,800 names; last year, 3,400. So far this year I have a little over 300 names and the list is growing," Morgan said.

Names will be taken until Dec. 5, and may be given by calling the Toys for Tots hotline at 985-6128.

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