Motorcyclists bearing toys treat children in hospital

[totalmotorcycle]

Motorcyclists bearing toys treat children in hospital
Monday, December 4, 2006 - Rocky Mountain News - rockymountainnews.com



Of all the sounds of the holiday season, there is none quite like the one that happens toward the end of the annual Toy Run when about 100 motorcyclists arrive and head into the six-story garage at Children's Hospital in Denver.

At its roaring, staccato peak, the gathering sounds like a souped-up popcorn machine full of ball bearings about to spill over.

But when the Santa-stocking-clad riders dismount with enormous Winnie the Pooh dolls and other donated unwrapped toys under their arms, it plays just like a black-leather version of White Christmas.

"It's all about the kids and us trying to make them feel special," said Michael "Fuzzy" Jaramillo, one of the organizers of the event, which has helped collect toys for the hospital for 21 years. "They're in a hospital at Christmas, and if we can do whatever we can to make it better, then that's what it's all about."

The Toy Run is sponsored by the Rocky Mountain Harley Davidson dealership and the Rocky Mountain Harley Davidson owners group. Police and fire departments from throughout the metro area also provide support.

Besides buying toys, the toy run helps raise money that the hospital uses to purchase items for patients during the year.

This year, cold weather and icy streets cut the number of motorcycles in the 12-mile procession that started at Aspen Grove Lifestyles Center in Littleton. But many people came in their sport utility vehicles, pickup trucks and cars bearing toys.

Randy DePew, for example, found the roads too icy near his Westminster home to ride his motorcycle. So he and a friend loaded up a convertible with stuffed toys and took part in the run with the car's top down.

The cold weather was not a factor this year for Larry Wallerich, who arrived dressed in an Abominable Snowman outfit that his wife, Terry, fashioned out of big swaths of white shag.

"It's hot, there's no doubt about it," Wallerich said as he and some friends dressed in holiday costumes posed with kids who wanted their picture taken with Frosty the Snowman and the Grinch.

One child timidly asked the green-faced Grinch (aka Tom Schrah), "Are you going to -ruin Christmas?"

Not likely. The toys dropped off Sunday will provide welcome gifts for young patients, hospital officials said.

"I continue to be impressed by the absolute dedication that these people have to do whatever they can for kids and to bring a smile to their face," said Children's Hospital President and CEO Dori Biester. "Even on a cold day, they bring warmth."