FAYETTEVILLE -- Stephan McGraff knows what it's like not being able to afford Christmas presents for your kids.

"We have six children and there's been Christmas when they got almost nothing," McGraff said. "Now we're in a better position, so we're going to support families that can't."

That's why McGraff signed up to ride with Cumberland County Sheriff Earl "Moose" Butler to raise money for Christmas gifts for less fortunate families in the third annual Shop with the Sheriff Charity Ride.

Butler says it's a cause that's near and dear to his heart.

"We all love children. Most of us have children and we know so many children are deprived of toys at Christmas," Butler said. "Our hearts are big enough that we want to involve as many as we can so they'll have a Christmas and it's just a great thing."

Butler said the contributions of the nearly 150 riders meant a lot.

"The people who participate in the motorcycle ride, they're doing something for county," Butler said. "They're having fun, but most importantly they're doing something for our children that wouldn't have Christmas if it weren't for the sheriff's office being able to take them shopping at Wal-Mart."

Leon Cosey said he sees the ride as a good way to set an example for his own kids.

"It's important for them to see you give back to the community and help somebody less fortunate," Cosey said.