DIXFIELD — Volunteers trying to bring Christmas cheer to more than 400 River Valley area children this winter are seeking help from area businesses and the public.

Additionally, momentum and ideas for fundraisers for the Band of Gypsies are exploding across its Facebook site, as membership in the new nonprofit organization has rapidly expanded from 50 in mid-September to more than 300 volunteers by Thursday afternoon.

Administrator Laura Pepin of Dixfield said the group was created to bring smiles to River Valley children and families in need.

For starters, they’re trying to fill an enclosed 16-foot trailer with donations of toys and clothing for school-aged children, and put together food baskets as well.

They’re also taking cash donations with which to purchase these items, Scott May, Band of Gypsies fundraiser coordinator, said Thursday in Dixfield.

“The Band of Gypsies roots began when a handful of ‘worn-out bikers with big hearts’ discovered that there are hundreds of children in the River Valley area that may not have a gift to open come Christmas morning or even warm clothing and boots for the season,” May said.

He said that with current poor economic conditions, local nonprofit agencies are having difficulties in meeting the needs.

“The situation was becoming desperate,” May said. “The need is so great that somebody’s got to do something.

“I could not imagine being a parent and deciding whether to buy 10 gallons of heating oil at the diesel pump to keep the house warm or maybe buy food for my family on Christmas Eve rather than using my last $20 to have a present under the tree for my children,” he said. “But it does happen and this thing is happening right here in this town. Times are tough.”

That’s why a group of friends who began calling themselves the Band of Gypsies to highlight their long-distance motorcycle ride day-trips, decided to try to restore a sense of community pride.

“These guys put out the challenge to other motorcycle riders in the area and what began as a chat over a cup of coffee has become an organization with over 300 volunteers and growing, to assist these agencies by collecting clothing and Christmas toys,” May said.

Last year, local organizations “put smiles on the faces of over 360 needy children in the River Valley area,” he said.

The Band of Gypsies, which comprises bikers and nonbikers, is currently seeking help from area businesses in the form of toys, children’s clothing, monetary donations and auction and raffle items.

The toys and clothing will be distributed by volunteers from the group with support from local nonprofit organizations.

“This is a thing that not only the bikers are doing, but we invited the entire community to work together to help the River Valley community,” May said.

“The object of the game is to get everybody involved, because we all live in this town together.”

Events scheduled to date include a Toy Ride on Oct. 7, a cash or toy toll bridge on Route 2 in Dixfield, operating a donation booth with support from Hotel Rumford on Oct. 20 during Envision Rumford’s debut Pumpkin Fest, and “For The Kids,” a debut rock-and-roll social event from 3 p.m. to midnight on Nov. 10 with auctions and live bands that have donated their time at the Rumford Eagles Club.

“It’s about how to get the most for the kids that we can do,” Scott Belskis, a Dixfield selectman, garage owner and Band of Gypsies member, said Thursday.

He’s already donated his pay as a selectman to the cause.

“We want to make a difference by making people in the community make a difference,” May said.

For more information or to donate, contact Al Cayer at 357-8682, Scott Belskis at 739-0392, Scott May at 418-1334 or Laura Pepin at 357-8731, or visit the Band of Gypsies site on Facebook at www.facebook.com/groups/491742620845747.

tkarkos@sunjournal.com