Biker club surprises Milan nursing home residents with gifts

Christmas gifts for residents who don't have family members

(MILAN, Ind.) -- Nursing home residents in Milan got a surprise visit from Santa and some unique helpers this weekend.

Fire and Iron is a national motorcycle club that consists mostly of firefighters who are also bikers, and the local chapter known as Station 176 is headquartered in Milan.

The local bikers make it their mission every year to bring Christmas gifts to nursing home residents who don't have family members.

"It's sad to see people in nursing homes who don't have families this time of year, and then their forced to watch other residents who have families come in and spend time with them," said Fire and Iron member Ernest Guy.

The group works to fill a gap by bringing holiday cheer to elderly community members who may have nobody else to celebrate with.

The club reached out to Ripley Crossing to identify residents who are without family.

On Saturday, they showed up with multiple gifts for each of those residents.

"This means everything to me, just seeing the smiles and the tears. It's a different kind of Christmas, and for some special people, who wouldn't have this otherwise," Guy said.

The 812 first met the Fire and Iron Motorcycle Club when they delivered Christmas gifts to The Waters of Dillsboro in 2022.

The club also stops by local nursing homes throughout the year to deliver other items like shampoo, clothes and other items.

Before the bikers left Ripley Crossing on Saturday, one resident turned around and shouted to the group, "Merry Christmas, I love you all!"

Local current and retired firefighters who would like to learn more about the club can click here.