Alamo Wing Santas deploy gifts to youths Published Dec. 26, 2011 By Tech Sgt. Carlos J. Trevino 433rd Airlift Wing 12/26/2011 -- -- LACKLAND AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- For the third consecutive year, 433rd Airlift Wing members have made some needy and deserving children in San Antonio happy at Christmas time. Alamo Wing Airmen donated 63 bikes to members of the San Antonio Boys & Girls Clubs Dec. 23. "Airmen from every squadron of the 433rd Airlift Wing donated cash to purchase the bicycles and helmets," said Master Sgt. Judith Gutierrez, one of the donation drive coordinators. "We are like their Santa Claus," Master Sgt. Jesse Lopez, one of the bike donation coordinators from the Alamo Wing Top Three, said. "This is the only gift some of these kids will be getting this year" he said. The Airmen arrived at the Calderon Branch of the San Antonio Boys & Girls Clubs in Air Force trucks, and Humvees filled with colorful bikes for boys and girls. Children braved the cold and wind, and lined the sidewalks leading into the club on the city's west side, and excitedly pointed at the bikes as Alamo Wing members rolled them into the gym. Once all the bikes were inside, the children were seated by age groups. Alamo Wing members were paired up with children, and then took them to select their gift. One of the first to get a bike was an excited eight year old Padance Maldonado. "This is my first bike. I'm happy. I picked my bike because of the pretty fringes and colors. I liked the bag on the front too," she said. "This is huge, really, really huge. These are the kids that don't go into a Wal-Mart and say 'I want that'," said Angie Mock, CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of San Antonio. Staff members chose recipients based on club participation and character "and of course need," Mock said. The 433rd has donated over 100 bikes the previous two Christmases to needy children in the San Antonio area. "This is a good way to give back to the community, it's a good way to help those that might be in need," Master Sgt. Gutierrez said. One of those in "need," was a parent who could be seen wiping away her tears throughout the event. "Right now I am homeless, and my two boys are not expecting this gift at all," said Matilda Garcia. "I am thankful they are getting something. I thank God for it. Right now I can't give them anything," she said. "Our dedication to support our community during this time of year will make an impression on their lives," Master Sgt. Lopez said.