Bikers from the area gathered at the Walter Gerrells Civic Center and strapped in their gifts in preparation for the annual Toy Run that donates gifts and money donations for the Christmas Anonymous Inc. project.

Participants were escorted by police down Canal Street until reaching Church Street at Albertson's and proceeding down Canyon Street to the downtown business district. The motorcyclists then headed east, crossing the Bataan Bridge and traveling to the Elks Lodge en route to their final destination, the Riverwalk Recreation Center.

"This was started six years ago when our past president Terry Voll went to Ray Anaya (Christmas Anonymous Inc. President) with the idea of a toy run," said Brotherhood of the 74 member Patrick "Loner" Green. "It has since become an annual thing and all the gifts and money donations stay in Carlsbad."

Brotherhood members and other local bikers participate in the annual event.

"We first started out with about 60 people and it has grown," said Brotherhood member Royce "Jester" Spangler. "Last year we had over 300 people participate."

Although the Brotherhood started the idea, many other bikers have joined in. One of those is Jim Harvey, who recently moved to Carlsbad.

"This is my first year to participate," he said as he strapped in a big brown teddy bear on his bike. "I think it's a great cause and I want to do anything I can for the kids."

After the toys are dropped off at the Riverwalk, the bikers gathered back at the Brotherhood lodge to enjoy food.

"We serve food and people can purchase a plate for $3," Spangler said. "All the money raised from the food we give to Christmas Anonymous Inc."

He said that this year the meal would come from the ground.

"We put a pig in the ground yesterday evening and it should be ready," Spangler said.

The Brotherhood has placed change jars at various businesses in the community for year round collections. Money collected in those jars goes to Christmas Anonymous Inc. in Carlsbad.