The Chula Vista Police Foundation held its 11th annual holiday food and toy giveaway Tuesday morning at the Chula Vista Walmart, 1150 Broadway.
Chula Vista Police Foundation partnered with Athlete’s for Education and Walmart to provide holiday meals for more than 1,000 needy South Bay families that were identified by civic organizations and police officers who may have encountered a needy family in their day-to-day work.
“It’s a great opportunity to make the holidays special for some people who may not have a good outlook and basically give back to the community,” said acting Police Capt. Eric Thunberg.
The event saw Santa Claus arrive in his sleigh to greet children and hand out gifts and candy canes. The Chula Vista Police Department raffled off 15 bicycles to children in attendance.
In its 11 years, Thunberg said the event has given away more than 10,000 meals.
This year,families walked away with a free frozen turkey, a sack of potatoes, bananas, vegetables, canned goods and a two-liter beverage.
One of the meal recipients was 16-year-old Shaila Campos, an 11th grader at Patrick Henry High School. Shaila, her mom and two siblings were the first family in line awaiting their free meals at 4 a.m.
“This year has been a little tough for my family (financially) but I’m grateful for this opportunity,” Shaila said. “This food means a lot to us because with the holidays it is really hard to have money for gifts and food.”
Shaila said her father is the main financial contributor but he does not have a steady income as he works several odd jobs.
Shaila’s brother received a basketball from Santa, her sister got a coloring set and she picked up a cupcake making machine.
Chula Vista resident Tammi Hampton, 49, was also in line receiving a meal. She brought her six grandkids with her. She said the fact that Chula Vista police officers hosted this event was not surprising.
“Chula Vista police are really good,” she said. “They are always on top of things and are always working to improve the community they serve, whether that is responding to an emergency or simply giving food to the less fortunate like they are doing today.”
While Hampton expected nothing less from the Chula Vista Police Department, the event was an eye-opener for Shaila.
“I never really thought about police officers doing something like this,” she said. I just thought they helped the community when someone calls them. It just shows how sweet they are and how much they really care for the community.”
Thunberg said he is happy to see the community come together to help each other.
“It’s sad to see so many needy folks but amazing to see so many people in the community want to help fill a need in this community,” he said.
