David Monk and other members of the Thunderguards Motorcycle Club made an oath to honor the memory of the late Terrance “Dr. Newt” Newton by helping disadvantaged families from Warner Elementary School — just like they’d done for every Christmas Newton had been principal of the Wilmington school.
On Saturday, the motorcycle club made good on that promise delivering holiday joy to a pair of Warner Elementary School families.
“It’s different in my everyday day life not having Dr. Newton there,” said Monk, president of the Thunderguards Mother Chapter. “He was a personal friend and more like a brother. We talked everyday no matter what.
“But we will keep what he started going.”
Newton, who died in a motorcycle accident in March, was a product of Wilmington’s East Side where he experienced violence and poverty that left him working on keeping his students away from it. This included cutting students’ hair at Warner school and finding ways to provide Christmas gifts for those in need.
Background:Beloved Wilmington educator Terrance Newton dies after head injuries from motorcycle crash
While this tradition dates back three Christmas, it’s impact on families and those involved in helping lasted beyond the holiday.
In the first years, Newton would find the families in need. He would then contact the Thunderguards to help out. Sometimes in a matter of days, the Wilmington group would deliver toys, clothing and money to help the family out beyond the holiday. The event would be marked by the club’s thunderous motorcycles.
But after Newton’s death in March, the Thunderguards were able to find two needy families thanks to Warner’s staff who let the motorcycle club know who fit the need for assistance.
In addition to gifts, this year the Motorcycle Club raised $1,200 for each family. The event was also witnessed by Newton’s widow, Paula Dumpson-Newton.
“Dr. Newton was a product of Wilmington,” Monk said. “He left a hole in all of our Hearts. One of these kids will someday be the next Dr. Newton. The Thunderguards will be here waiting for that day.”
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Contact Esteban Parra at (302) 324-2299, eparra@delawareonline.
