Ray Anaya did all he could to make sure the people of Carlsbad felt protected and loved. He founded Christmas Anonymous and was the first Hispanic Sheriff in Eddy County. Anaya was born to a family of 11 in Loving, New Mexico. He lived in poverty as a child, and therefore was inspired to help children going through what he did.

Christmas Anonymous was founded by Anaya and Virginia Fawcett in 1963. It was created to give less fortunate children a happy Christmas. People donate clothes and toys, and the items are given to the children in time for Christmas morning.

Aside from his charity work, Anaya began his interest in law enforcement when he joined the army in 1956. He lobbied in Santa Fe to pass a law making it mandatory that all law enforcement officers be trained, creating the New Mexico Training Academy. Anaya served on many local boards, and was even appointed to positions at the state level. He served two terms as sheriff and seven years as a deputy, and went on to Juvenile work. Anaya became the first Mexican American to be appointed Chief Juvenile Officer for Eddy County. He moved all around, and finally decided to move back to Carlsbad after marrying Eva Garcia in 1956. Ray Anaya has accomplished so much for Carlsbad and we will always remember his efforts.