Playing Santa

So I got a phone call one day in the office, and it was a lady who attends Ascension Lutheran Church in far west El Paso. She was calling because her office was in need of more families to sponsor for the Christmas season, and she knew we did some work with lower income families in the Colonias of El Paso County.

Basically, the people of her office would purchase gifts, food, and other items needed by these families if we could give them some information. Erin and I sprung into action and began calling many of the families you have already read about. We started with three families, got their clothing sizes and wish lists, and I sent off that information.

Later in the day, the needs of all three families had been sponsored by the office, and Sandy called me looking for another. I said, sure. We could not get a hold of this family, but we guessed their sizes and needs, and yet another family was sponsored.

Two days later, Sandy calls back and says the response is overwhelming, and did I have another family, it just so happens I did. So now we are up to five families that would be sponsored this year.

This past Wednesday, like five vehicles arrived at the mission full of all the goods. Each family had two large bags of wrapped presents, and one HUGE box of food, that probably weighed 100 pounds. That evening, after and between Doctor appointments, Erin and I delivered two sets of the gifts (Since we were both leaving town on Friday, and wanted to make sure they had it).

Erin put on her Santa hat, and off we went. We decided since each child had like three gifts, we would let them open one now, and save the rest for Christmas. We also let the family open their gifts, if it was space heaters that they had asked for, since it would help warm up the house.

One of the families, only the new boyfriend was home, so we dropped off their stuff, and she called the next morning to thank us. It was for Mayra and the Wild Fire house for those of you who may know that house. (Yes, her kitchen and bath have appliances).

We then went to the Garcia house, and the girls and mom were home.

The next day, after more Dr. appointments, we delivered the rest of the goods. Enjoy the pics and have a very Merry Christmas.

The Garcia girls with their new jackets. (Provided from the mission as part of the Christmas distribution).

Showing off their presents. That box that Nadia (In the middle) is on is the box of food.

Open sesame

Yay, heaters

With Erin and their coats

Hi

Letters to Santa, they loved that him and I were buds

Nadia found roller skates in her package

With some of the food

The gifts in front of the tree at the Morales house

Alejandra shows off her new sweater

Homero Jr. shows off his socks

Still digging

The Morales family (Minus Jesus the oldest son) in front of their tree

The Terrazas family, minus mom Maria with their goodies

Diego opening his gift

Dad Diego Sr. and youngest, whose name I currently forget

Erin with the Saucedos, minus Dad.

Norma and Kaila opening her gift