CARLSBAD -- The joy of giving to the children of Carlsbad and Eddy County brought 333 bikers out to the fifth annual Biker Toy Run on Saturday.

Starting at 10 a.m., the crowd of motorcyclists began lining up in the Wal-Mart parking lot for the ride that took them through downtown Carlsbad on their way to the Playground on the Pecos.

Each biker donated a toy worth at least $10, but many also donated money; clean, used clothing in good condition; blankets; and other items. All proceeds went to Christmas Anonymous.

Event organizer Terry "Diesel" Voll, a member of the Brotherhood of the 74, a local group of motorcycle enthusiasts, said he is pleased to see the event grow each year.

At the first toy run in 2000, Voll led a group of 75 bikers. Last year, that number was 306 and while he was hoping for 350 this year, he said he was pleased to see the number of participants increase.

"Anytime we can get more people involved, that's good," Voll said, adding the cooler weather might have made a difference in the turnout. "It's not that far of a run. But we're going to have a good day. It's all for the kids."

And the parking lot was full of people in the Christmas spirit. Richard Thomas, a member of the local chapter of the Christian Motorcycle Association, was there along with other Carlsbad and Roswell chapter members.

While Thomas said he wasn't supposed to do so, he opened up the toy he was donating, called a Junkyard Jalopy, to put batteries inside.

"It's terrible when the kids get the toys but they don't have batteries," he said.

Roswell Hawgs member Jerry Rockley chose to donate a large stuffed Care Bear toy and a colorful toy truck. He said he likes being part of the toy run because it's a good cause.

"There are so many youngsters that need some uplifting out there," he said. "For a group of guys to get together and ride and donate all these toys is really something. There's no greater cause."

Several people anonymously donated money and other items as well.

Jessica Laird, who attends the event each year with her parents Hy and Pat Laird, said her family was preparing to leave home Saturday morning when a stranger drove to their house and gave them a $10 bill to donate at the event.

"It's for the kids and it makes you feel good to donate to the kids," she said.

Other participants brought their own children and grandchildren as an opportunity to teach them the spirit of giving. That was why CJ Huebner of Roswell, whose husband is with the Roswell chapter of the Christian Motorcycle Association, brought her 4-year-old grandson Devaun Collins.

"This is his first time here," Huebner said of her wide-eyed grandson, who was awestruck at seeing participants dressed as Santa and Rudolph. "He couldn't wait to get out here. We thought it would be good for him to learn about giving instead of just receiving."

And that's an important lesson to learn, said Ray Anaya of Christmas Anonymous. With emotion in his voice, he said the event was a success as he and members of his family filled the back of three pick-up trucks with toys.

"This is tremendous," he said. "Stuff like this just really brings your spirit out."