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Bikers bring donated gifts to Chihuahuita students
(MACARTHUR INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL -- Dec. 4, 2017) — The Grinch stole Christmas, but this time for a good cause.
He, along with other holiday characters, picked up toys from EPISD schools last Friday for the 33rd Chihuahuita Toy Run.
Students at MacArthur Elementary-Intermediate cheered from the sidewalk as more than 100 motorcycles roared into the school’s parking lot, led by Mr. and Mrs. Claus and of course the Grinch. El Paso motorcycle clubs coordinate the annual event, working together with the community to collect toys for children in the Chihuahuita neighborhood.
“It’s a great opportunity for our kids to give back to the community,” secretary Elizabeth Leith said. “The students go through their toys or use their allowance money to help bring presents for the kids. The biggest lesson they learn is the importance of giving, as opposed to receiving.”
The toy run made its way across town, stopping not only at MacArthur but at Cielo Vista, Bonham and Hillside elementary schools as well.
“Our focus is the El Paso community,” Bandidos member Rudy “Shakey” Maio said. “The biggest thrill we get out of this is seeing the faces of the kids as we pull up and seeing the faces of the kids that receive these toys.”
Seventh-grade student David Ponce grinned from ear to ear, trying to look at all the different motorcycles arriving.
“It’s cool because we are helping other kids that don’t have toys,” David said. “I brought a Mickey Mouse piano.”
Fifth-grader Kyleigh Cornelius looks forward to the event every year.
“I brought two toys: an alligator pillow and a Snoopy,” she said. “I think it’s nice because some kids don’t get presents so this will make them happy. It feels good to give back.”
Kyleigh and her classmates were amused to see their teacher Greg Myers riding up on his Harley with all the other motorcycles.
“It’s kind of weird to see a teacher riding a motorcycle but also kind of cool,” she said.
This is the fourth year in a row that Myers participates in the toy run. He has been teaching at the school for 12 years and when he started riding five years ago, he knew he wanted to be part of the annual event.
“It’s inspiring to be part of something like this,” he said. “The kids do so much. They are the heroes. My students brought a lot of toys.”
The motorcycle clubs will sort through the toys by age and category, getting them ready for delivery in the coming weeks.
Video by Angel Dominguez/EPISD
Photos by Leonel Monroy