Motorcyclists gather toys, canned food for annual holiday collection

Christmas came early Sunday as about 300 local motorcycle enthusiasts gathered near the north end McDonald's parking lot for the annual Carson City Motorcycle Toy and Canned Food Run.

Black leather was the order of the day. The motorcycles were parked next to the Hondas and Santa was there taking stock of the toys, from stuffed gorillas to leggos, mounted on handle bars and strapped to seats.

Santa said he appreciates the help with Christmas just around the corner.

"I love it. The toys go to a good cause," Santa said. "It's a good feeling, doing something worthwhile, and we have fun doing it."

Mike Clark of Topaz Lake agreed, noting the weather couldn't have been better for the event.

"There are a lot of needy kids out there, and they need to know that we care," he said. "It's a nice day to get together with friends and help the kids. . . .It's also about fun."

This is a grass-roots event, and the 12th year for organizer Denise Alvarado and friends, who spread the word to local bikers and clubs with flyers and press releases.

Don Cassinelli said individual bikers as well as those from many local organizations attend: Christian Brotherhood, Blue Knights, Flying Justice, Gold Winger and more.

Three-hundred bikers from all walks formed a short parade that started on North Carson Street, and ended at the 8-Ball Saloon on U.S. 50 East in Moundhouse. There, they dropped off their toys and lined up for lunch.

Alvarado, a 40-year Carson City resident who works for Hytek Microsystems Inc., spent three days cooking for the dinner.

"I made 70 pounds of enchilada casserole, 45 pounds of potato salad, and 65 pounds of pasta crab salad," Alvarado said.

Add to that the 70 gallons of chili, 350 devilled eggs and 250 cupcakes, and the menu is complete.

Decked out in a red "Mrs. Santa" sweater and sunglasses, she said at times she felt a little overwhelmed by the process, but she wasn't complaining. She loves getting together with the old friends this event draws.

"It's just a cool thing to do. I was a little harried for a few hours," Alvarado said. "But these kids have to live with hardship from day to day."

Donations this year will go the the Carson City Indian Colony and child care center, and the Lyon County Fire Department in Stagecoach.