Motorcycles rumbled into the parking lot at Thomas Hunter Middle School in Mathews on Friday to deliver free books for students along with a message about the importance of reading.

Sponsored by the nonprofit organization Riders for Readers, the annual event is held at THMS or Lee-Jackson Elementary during the last week before summer vacation to promote reading during the summer, a press release stated.

The group was formed nearly 20 years ago by Mathews resident Eric Engler. It now sponsors five or more similar events each year in Mathews and Richmond, reaching around 1,000 elementary and middle school students annually, according to the release.

The riders are retirees, business owners and professionals in a variety of fields. They speak to students about how reading is important to them and their work, and they encourage the children to read during their summer vacation. Students are invited to take home free books provided by sponsors, and there are hundreds to choose from.

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