New Mexico children, who died by abuse and neglect, honored with Angel Tree

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The holidays are filled with events and light displays, including the lighting of a tree in Albuquerque Civic Plaza that has a deeper meaning behind it.

People gathered Saturday to light an Angel Tree to honor New Mexico children who have been lost to abuse and neglect. Each of the tree’s ornaments contains the name and a photo of a New Mexico child who lost their life because of abuse and neglect.

“We want people to understand we’re never going to forget them. We’re going to be mentioning their name. I’m of a firm believer that the minute we stop speaking their name, that’s when they’re gone,” said Frank Montano, of the Guardians of the Children Rio Grande chapter.

Guardians of the Children motorcycle club has put on this Angel Tree event for the past 10 years.

“My prayer is that we don’t need to add anymore,” Montano said. “No child deserves to live in fear.”

Throughout the rest of the year, the guardians will work with the Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office and the court system to help other kids who have become victims. That could mean escorting the child to court or school and providing protection and comfort to them.

“Most importantly, empower them to not be afraid. Because of all that, our conviction rates are extremely high,” Montano said.

Despite any stereotypes about bikers, Montano says this work is their most important.

“We use that word ‘adopt’ in our motorcycle family and we give them a road name. They wear a vest, they wear a patch very similar to ours, so they become one of us,” Montano said.