Biker Elves collect toys for local children

WASILLA — Each year, bikers from across the Mat-Su Valley band together to collect toys and monetary donations for Toys for Tots and the Mat-Su Special Santa program.

Glen “The Dude” Butts runs the Biker Elves’ annual toy drive through the Christian Motorcycle Association Palmer chapter the Midnight Son Riders, collaborating with numerous local motorcycle clubs and organizations.

“It’s been an all-out help from all the bike clubs and biker community,” Butts said.

The Biker Elves have 18 collection sites across the Valley and a local Subway is collecting donations for the Christmas Toy Drive and Fly-In Santa event Saturday at 11 a.m. at Denali Harley Davidson. Several local motorcycle clubs are pitching in to help during the event.

“I think it’s awesome because it shows the community a different side of what people think of bikers… we get involved with the community with this Christmas stuff and they actually see we have a heart, we have families, we love to take care of people, look after people,” Butts said. “We can do that many different ways and one of them is through the kids, making sure they have a good Christmas. For me, that’s the number one thing.”

During the fly-in, Old Saint Nick flies down to the Harley dealership on a Heli Alaska helicopter. Attending children and their families get the chance to fly around with Santa. Attendees are encouraged to bring new and unwrapped toys for local children in need. Those who donate receive free helicopter rides.

“The kids love to see that, when he steps off the chopper,” Butts said. “It’s that Christmas spirit… when they see that chopper there’s no doubt in their mind, ‘there’s Santa.’”

Butts said they filled a whole trailer with donated toys at the last fly-in and anticipates a similar cavalcade of donations this Saturday. He noted that Legos are the number one requested toy.

“You come in, you bring a toy,” Butts said with a laugh.

Butts said that since the event falls so late in the season, all the toys gathered at the event will be stored with Toys for Tots for next year. He said that he’s currently writing letter to Gov. Mike Dunleavy, inviting him to the event.

“Hoping that Governor Dunleavy will be there,” Butts said.

Butts made plenty of fond memories to look back on through the Biker Elves project. One memory in particular illustrated why he volunteers his time and resources every Christmas season.

“I was handing out a couple of bags and this little girl, when she saw what she was getting, her eyes lit up,” Butts said. “All the running around and everything… That makes it all worth it.”

After Christmas, Butts has several annual fundraisers coming up, including the Tires for Tacos event at Denali Harley Davidson and Bikers Fighting Hunger Spaghetti Feed with the Mat-Su Alano Club in Wasilla.

For more information about the Christmas Toy Drive and Fly-In Santa event, call 907- 373-3366.

For more information about the Midnight Son Riders, visit cmanwr1.org/AK/MIDNIGHTSONRIDERS/default.aspx

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com