GILROY
–– Indian Motorcycle riders and a dealer in San Jose were
concerned about the kind of Christmas the families of laid-off
Indian Motorcycle employees might have to look forward to and
they’re doing something about it.
The Indian Riders Group of San Jose and San Jose Indian dealer
Fernando Martins are collecting toys and donations for families
affected by Indian’s sudden shutdown Sept. 19, which resulted in
the layoff of about 380 employees from its Gilroy headquarters.
GILROY –– Indian Motorcycle riders and a dealer in San Jose were concerned about the kind of Christmas the families of laid-off Indian Motorcycle employees might have to look forward to and they’re doing something about it.
The Indian Riders Group of San Jose and San Jose Indian dealer Fernando Martins are collecting toys and donations for families affected by Indian’s sudden shutdown Sept. 19, which resulted in the layoff of about 380 employees from its Gilroy headquarters.
“One of the missions of our Indian Riders Group is to make a commitment to the brotherhood of motorcycle riders and to organize programs, events and charitable contributions,” San Jose IRG President Ron Pitchford said. “Even though the factory may be closed, we still want to come together to show these workers how much we appreciate what they have done and to bring some holiday joy to their families.”
The public is asked to donate unwrapped toys and cash, to be converted into gift certificates, for former Indian employees’ families. Donations can be dropped off at Martins’ store, Indian Motorcycle San Jose, 830 The Alameda, or checks can be sent to and be made payable to IRG San Jose, care of 830 The Alameda, San Jose, CA 95126.
Toys and gift certificates will be given out at a Christmas barbecue Martins will host at his store Dec. 20 from noon to 3 p.m.
“We’re hoping to get it where everybody can get either a toy or a gift certificate for his or her family,” said Karin Moss, of Hollister, who was executive director of the IRG nationwide until the September layoffs.
IRG is the non-profit arm of the Indian Motorcycle Company. Moss described Indian’s former employees as “like orphans.”
“I thought it would be nice to do something that made everybody feel kind of warm and fuzzy,” Moss said.
Johnny Pena, who worked for Indian along with his father, Rudy, said while his family isn’t desperate, this Christmas will be “more limited” than last.
“It’s not the carefree spending like last year,” Pena said. “Instead of everybody buying everybody presents, this year we drew names, so you just buy a present for one person.”
Pena hasn’t found a new job yet, but his wife has. He’s now staying home with their two children.
