NORFOLK, Va. — You may have seen the 757 Lady Unity Rydaz, a female motorcycle and social club in Hampton Roads, on their bikes in the community.
The motorcycle club offers more than camaraderie: members work towards having a strong impact in the area.
"It was great knowing I was already interested in motorcycles, but to find someone that wanted to give back to the community, that's always a plus," said LaTisha Jones, the club's public relations officer.
The club's president Ashley Askew is aware some people might have stereotypes about motorcycle clubs. However, she says the 757 Lady Unity Rydaz promotes positivity.
"[The club] is bringing back unity [and] love straight into the community," said Askew.
An area that's felt the positive effects of the club's efforts is the Park Place section of Norfolk. They have organized food drop-offs throughout the neighborhood.
"You never know who may need this stuff, you never know," said LaVaunda Scott, the group's Vice President.
The cause hits close to home for Scott, who says she knows what it's like to grow up struggling, and started tearing up talking about the club's community service.
"It's just good to be able to help somebody. I know how it feels to have nothing," said Scott.
In addition to food drop-offs, you can also find them hard at work picking up trash in Park Place. They have adopted a stretch of 26th Street that runs through the community.
Now, they're gearing up for a big back-to-school drive and community day celebration on August 5. They're going to take over a neighborhood park to have a cookout while handing out gently used clothing, food and back-to-school supplies.
"The way the economy is today, you know it's always nice to give back and you never know who's struggling. So it's always good to help a person out," said Doris Giddens, the club's secretary.
For all those reasons, News 3 presented the 757 Lady Unity Rydaz with an Everyday Hero award along with a $300 Visa gift card. The group was ecstatic and said they'll use the gift card to buy additional back-to-school supplies!
