Mercer County, Pa. - A yearly tradition in Wheatland is helping raise thousands of dollars every year for veterans in Mercer County.

Around 100 veterans are participating in the Veteran's Motorcycle Run event put on by the Wheatland American Legion.

Bob Russell, founder of the Veteran’s Motorcycle Run, said more veterans are getting involved in the tradition every year.

“It started four years ago, we ended up with about 40 to 50 bikes. Last year was our third year, and we had about 138 people sign in,” said Russell.

The event takes place every summer. During the event, veterans ride their motorcycles through Mercer County with the hopes of raising money for needy veterans.

“We run basically around, go to Mercer, we will go over to Reynolds, which is a transfer, then we are going to Orangeville, back here. Then they will have a barbeque,” said Russell. “We have people that can’t pay their electric bills, that cannot also can’t pay their rent, stuff like that. So we go around, we try to find out who needs help.”

This event is part of a community effort by the Wheatland American Legion, Hermitage Fire Department and the Mercer County Sheriff.

Over the past four years, the Wheatland American Legion raised thousands every year. This money is for veterans who go into American Legion Post 432.

“If a veteran needs a meal, a veteran needs a ride, a veteran needs a place to stay, this is where all of this money is going. It’s to support them and help them when they’re down on their luck,” said Fred Mosley, Wheatland American Legion and West Middlesex VFW. “We have to give back. If its not us, then who is going to give back? And these riders and these veterans that are here today give more back to this community than a lot of other places do.”

Russell expects to raise between $6,000 and $8,000. Jim Weiser, officer at the Wheatland American Legion said the organization raises money for people in the community all year long.

“Fantastic jobs these guys are doing. They donated a lot of toys for toys for tots, shop with a cop. So they do all this good stuff. I mean it's fantastic,” said Weiser.

Veterans at the American Legion held events throughout the afternoon to show their support for veterans. The events included an honor guard ceremony, a 50/50 raffle and Touch a Truck for kids who come to the post.