By: Melanie Becker-Donovan, The Roswell Daily Record — The Guerreros Motorcycle Club is celebrating 18 years of bringing the community together to help children and families in need during the Christmas season. Through its annual event, the club collects toys for children served by the CASA program, with donations reaching families in Roswell, Artesia and Clovis.
For the club’s founder and president Jorge “Gallo” Armendariz, the tradition has personal roots. Growing up in Mexico, he remembers what it was like not to have toys for Christmas. Some of the club’s other members shared similar childhood experiences, inspiring them to find a way to help children facing similar circumstances. “Seeing that kind of poverty and knowing we could make a difference together is what inspired this event,” stated Gallo.
Eighteen years later, the Toyrun remains an important part of the club’s commitment to the community. “It means that we haven’t given up,” stated Gallo. “We’ve had our ups and downs with membership, lost a brother in an accident and lost family members along the way. Through all of that, we’re still standing strong and continuing to give back to this community.”
According to Josué “Flaco” Moreno, vice president and secretary of the Roswell chapter, the anniversary represents an opportunity to continue strengthening the club’s relationship with the community and demonstrate the positive contributions motorcycle riders can make. “One of our biggest goals has always been to change the perception of the community, especially with the negative image that is sometimes portrayed by the media,” stated Moreno. “We want people to see the good that comes from bikers coming together for a common cause.”
The impact of the toy run extends beyond the annual gathering. During one toy pickup, a CASA associate told the Guerreros how much families look forward to receiving the donations each year. “It’s not just about collecting toys. It’s about giving families something to look forward to and helping make Christmas special for their children,” stated Gallo.
Organizing the event takes considerable preparation. According to Moreno, the club spends approximately eight months planning and preparing for each year’s toy run, with members already considering improvements for the following year before the current event concludes.
The club also recognizes the contributions of local businesses, volunteers, members’ families and community supporters who help keep the tradition going.
This year’s anniversary celebration features live music, door prizes, raffles and biker games. Aftermath, an alternative rock band traveling from El Paso, Texas, is among the featured entertainment.
Organizers hope to attract at least 100 motorcycle riders this year while encouraging participation from the broader community. Residents can support the effort by donating toys, attending the event, volunteering or helping spread the word.
For Moreno, the goal extends beyond one successful anniversary celebration. The club hopes to continue growing the event and reaching more children in the years ahead. “This event is bigger than motorcycles or a club. It’s about coming together as a community to make a difference in a child’s life,” stated Moreno.
The Guerreros Toyrun takes place Saturday at 12:15 p.m. at Sam’s Club, 4400 North Main Street. The celebration then moves to the Hooraw Event Center, 1003 South Atkinson Ave.
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