Fatal crash leaves hole in Toy Run hearts, efforts
| Sunday, Sep 20 2009 06:47 PM
Last Updated Sunday, Sep 20 2009 08:59 PM
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Deborah and James Harmon
James and Deborah Harmon, the Bakersfield couple killed Saturday in a motorcycle accident near Kernville, helped found the Bakersfield Toy Run and were a major force behind the annual charity event for the local Salvation Army.
"It felt like a kick in the gut," said Bob Atkinson, director of family services for the Salvation Army, about learning of the couple's death. He'd known them 26 years.
Jim and Debbie, as their friends called them, were one of the Toy Run's founding couples when it was just "50 motorcycles and 75 toys," Atkinson said.
Last December -- its 25th year -- the run drew an estimated 4,000 motorcycles and 200 classic cars. It brought in thousands of toys, $12,000 in donations and a quarter-ton of groceries. The effort helped the Salvation Army distribute 10,000 toys to 1,625 local families.
Jim Harmon was 58, Debbie 57, the coroner's office reported. They died after a 74-year-old woman lost control of a Buick and hit their Harley Davidson on Sierra Way south of Limestone Drive, officials said.
This year's run will be dedicated to the Harmons, Atkinson said.
"The Toy Run was their baby," said Sherry Aal, this year's vice president.
Jim Harmon was president, she said, and Debbie, who worked at Renegade Classics motorcycle apparel shop, was the event's vendor representative.
Aal, who has known the Harmons since she became involved in the run four years ago, said the tight-knit group quickly became like a family to her.
"We always ended phone calls with 'I love you,'" she said.
The Harmons were also heavily involved in motorcycle groups ABATE and Bakersfield Widow Makers, friends said.
Fred Evenson, a former treasurer of the Toy Run, said the Harmons were "the type of people who would step up to the plate" when something needed to get done.
"Nobody gave as much as they did -- nobody," Evenson said. "You can't say enough about 'em."
The Toy Run committee meets year-round to plan for the December event.
With the run so close, the committee would definitely welcome any extra help, said Aal, the vice president.
You can reach Sherry Aal at 399-0340.
