Toys for Tots rally big success

[totalmotorcycle]

Toys for Tots rally big success
Monday, December 18, 2006 - By Cristina Ramirez, Staff Writer - Alamogordo Daily News - alamogordonews.com



A motorcyclist holding a large stuffed teddy bear is not a common sight while driving on the highway but it was one of the highlights of Saturday's Toys for Tots charity event at Washington Park.

Motorcyclists, car aficionados and local law enforcement joined forces with the Keystone Kops, an organization that collects toys for the Toys for Tots program, and brought together more than 1,000 toys and $500 in donations for underprivileged children in Otero County.

Wally Anderson, organizer and founder of Keystone Kops, said he appreciates all the agencies and car clubs that came out on Saturday to help Toys for Tots.

"It's still a long way to go to fulfill all the needs in the county," said Anderson. "But we got a big dent out of that problem."

More than 75 bikers drove through Alamogordo into Washington Park holding toys. Detention officer Renee Bookout rode into the park on his bike, carrying two rag dolls.

"We came out to help the kids," Bookout said.

Staff Sgt. Timothy A. Schuster recruited fellow bikers to join in the Toys for Tots effort and lead the procession of both motorcycles and classic cars.

Schuster rode his red 2005 Honda Interceptor.

The motorcyclists and the car club members combined their love for their vehicles with community service.

Schuster has owned a motorcycle since he was 16 years old and has driven one into the countryside in England when he was stationed there.

"It all started with my older brothers. They wouldn't let me drive them so I would sneak and take them out," Schuster said. "On a motorcycle, you can feel the road, you can see, smell it."

Inside Washington Park, the Alamogordo Mustang Club brought toys and 10 Ford Mustangs, ranging from a 1968 to a 2005 GT.

Ray Provencio, sergeant at arms of the Alamogordo Mustang Club, showcased his 1971 302 Boss Ford Mustang. Under the hood, Provencio also displayed the stuffed toys he donated for the Toys for Tots program.

"It is more than a show and shine event," Provencio said. "It gives the chance for young and old to show the value of old classics."

The Alamogordo Golden Gears car club also brought classic flavor to the festivities to support the cause.

"People see all these cars parked like that, they are going to come out and take a look," said Warren Naugle of the Golden Gears and owner of a 1928 Model A Ford.

On the other side of the park, law enforcement engage in their own "friendly but challenging" Pig Bowl tournament.

Officers from the Holloman Office of Special Investigations and Security Forces beat the Department of Public Safety. The Otero County Sheriff's Department officers beat the Detention Center officers. Border Patrol beat Holloman. During the Pig Bowl Championship game, Border Patrol won against the sheriff's officers by one touchdown.

All officers participating in the Pig Bowl tournament donated at least one toy for the program.

Captain of the Otero County Sheriff's Department Norbert Sanchez said their participation in the charity event represents what law enforcement stands for in a community.

"We take care of the community. On a daily basis, we see people in need," Sanchez said.

A jumping balloon and free food for those who donated a toy also were part of the event.

Toys still will be collected at Martin Tires, Applebees Neighborhood Grill and Comet Cleaners, among others, through Thursday, Dec. 21 and at all local banks through Friday, Dec. 22.

For more information, call Anderson at 921-2607.