A week before he loads up his sleigh and travels around the globe, Santa Claus on Tuesday afternoon went on a test run and visited children in National City.
Santa granted the Christmas wish of more than 50 low income families and 500 children selected by the National School District and several police officers.
These children received a wrapped gift from Santa at the police department, then selected a toy of their choice from bikes, Legos, Barbies, puzzles and more.
Families also received a voucher at a local grocery store for a Christmas dinner.
Mother Angelica Lopez, 26, watched her son smile as he picked out Hot Wheels miniature car and toy trucks.
“I’m very grateful to get a free toy for him,” she said.
Lopez said the National City Police Department went out of its way to make sure less fortunate children received a holiday gift.
“It’s very (gratifying) that they are coming up with stuff like this for people who can’t afford a lot for Christmas. It’s a really good program.”
While children walked away with toys, their parents were provided some financial relief.
“We are a low-income (family) so this is a big help for us, especially with six kids in the house,” Maria Sotelo, 46, said.
Sotelo brought her grandchildren and two nephews her mother took in because their father had recently died. She said an event like this helps bring extra holiday cheer.
“It’s a big help for us for Christmas to have the kids be happier than they were,” she said. “It means a lot. It’s a lot of help for the kids.”
Her grandson Javier had two handfuls of gifts. He selected Legos and action figures.
Javier, a sixth grader at Ira Harbison Elementary, knows the importance of receiving these gifts.
“It means that I was on the good list for the whole year,” he said.
National City Police Chief Manuel Rodriguez plans to celebrate Christmas with his family. He said an event like this puts things in perspective that not everyone is as fortunate as he is.
“One of the great things is that we’re working with the community and our partners to bring Christmas to families that might not otherwise have a Christmas,” he said. “We’re able to bring toys and food to the families in our community to really help them out during the holiday season.”
Rodriguez added that this is also an opportunity for the community to see police officers in a positive light.
“I think a lot of it is also the reward between the police and the community,” he said.
“That we’re not out here just to enforce. We’re actually out here to help people. And this is a true event that helps us do that.”
