Bikers’ Presence Yields Plenty of Presents

By David Pittman, david.pittman@amarillo.com
Link: http://www.amarillo.com/stories/092809/new_news2.shtml

The 90-degree temperatures Sunday didn’t provide any indication that Christmas is fast approaching, but a quarter-mile-long line of black-clad men and women on motorcycles certainly did.

More than 4,000 people gathered at Christian Heritage Church on South Nelson Street for Biker Sunday Amarillo, the annual event at which donations are collected for Toys for Tots.

“This is a totally free event,” coordinator Keith Burd said. “The only thing we ask is that you give a toy for Toys for Tots.”

Biker Sunday included free barbecue, games and music for attendees. Last year, the event raised $20,000 to $25,000 in toys for the charity.

“This is really the kickoff,” Marine Capt. Adam Andress said of the Toys for Tots campaign. “From here on out, we start the actual toy dropoffs.”

Toys for Tots is organized by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves, which collects toys each year to distribute to low-income or underprivileged children during the holidays.

Andress said the event typically raises the largest number of toys for the charity.

On Sunday, volunteers were accepting toys and placing them in cardboard boxes before loading them on one of two 7-ton trucks. The line of bikers stretched more than a full city block.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if the Marines have to go drop these off and pick up some more,” Andress said of the trucks.

Burd estimated that about 1,000 bikers participated in a corresponding parade from Western Street and Sixth Avenue eastward to the fairgrounds off Tenth Avenue. The procession of motorcycles reached Georgia Street before those at the rear even could begin.

Burd said this is the 10th year for Biker Sunday, a two-day event for motorcycle enthusiasts. Starting with the second year, organizers partnered with Toys for Tots, and participation has grown every year since.

“This is a way to give back to the community,” Burd said.