Patriot Run for Hugs Project of Western Kentucky returns on Saturday

The largest fundraiser for the Hugs Project of Western Kentucky returns this Saturday with the 16th Annual Patriot Run.

The Patriot Run motorcycle ride will begin and end with activities at Free Spirit Biker's Church on John Puryear Drive near I-24 in Paducah. Registration is $15 per biker and will begin at 10 a.m. The ride will roll off at about 11 a.m. 

The Patriot Run will take about an hour and return to Free Spirit Biker's Church for door prizes, raffles, and more. Gayron Ferguson of The Hugs Project said that while the riders are out on the run, that's a good time for folks to bring their cars to display for the rest of the festivities. They can register then and be eligible to participate in the raffles and prizes.

Registered participants get a T-shirt, which this year recognizes the 250th anniversary of America's independence.

The Hugs Project of Western Kentucky sends boxes filled with hand-made cooling wraps, personal hygiene items, snacks, and more to boost the morale of deployed troops who may not be getting any mail from back home. 

Ferguson began the project when his son was deployed in Iraq, and two of his buddies were not getting mail. Ferguson's son asked his father if he could send something to the friends. What started as sending three boxes a month for their 9-month tour has turned into a 16-year mission.