PHOTO PROVIDED A group of 15 bikers known as Penitent Souls have fundraisers year round for children in need. One of their biggest fundraisers this year is Saturday, Aug. 13, at the Lycoming County Fairgrounds in Hughesville.

In 2011, a group of motorcycle friends had a vision to create an organization where 100% of all funds raised went directly to helping kids in need, and so it was that Penitent Souls Children’s Foundation was born. Flip Phillips, president, and Tim Cresswell, vice president, set out on a mission to educate and illuminate where children were most severely in need and to also decimate the stigma that motorcycle clubs were just a bunch of guys in leather vests up to no good.

When asked why this was his particular foundation choice, Phillips says, “There aren’t enough clubs that support children strictly. Children are innocent and need our help.”

The diverse membership of the club includes members from law enforcement, emergency services, business owners and technical tradesmen.

Throughout the years, Penitent Souls, as they have come to be known (a group now of 15), has helped nearly 350 children by purchasing specialized equipment for Janet Weis Children’s Hospital, supporting local children’s sports teams and Special Olympics for special occasions, food drives and more.

They are able to do so much good from the generous donations made each year from businesses and private citizens within our community, as well as fundraisers throughout the year, including a large annual fundraiser the second Saturday of every August. This year, on Aug. 13, the event includes a car show, motorcycle ride, live auction, music and food at the Lycoming County Fairgrounds in Hughesville.

Penitent Souls is a bright and welcoming site to many children in their darkest times. For additional information on Penitent Souls, or to donate, check out the organization’s Facebook page, email them at psoulsmc@gmail.com or send donations to Penitent Souls Children’s Foundation, P.O. Box 175, Watsontown, Pa., 17777.