The National City Police Department donated more than 350 toys, presents and gift cards to underprivileged families in the community for its seventh annual Christmas giveaway.
About 25 families showed up Tuesday morning at the police station before school hours to take photos with Santa and select a Christmas gift.
Each participating child and their siblings received a wrapped gift, toy of their choice and a gift card for a turkey meal.
National City Police Chief Manuel Rodriguez said for some children the only gift they will receive for Christmas is from the department’s Christmas event.
“I think it’s a wonderful event for us to be able to interact with the community in a positive way and really give back,” Rodriguez said.
“Especially since a lot of these families wouldn’t be having a nice Christmas if we didn’t have this event.”
Parent Yadira Bernal can attest to that.
She said her family of five has struggled financially so the event allows her daughter to have a Christmas.
“It means a lot because she just has one present right now because I am not working, so that makes her happy,” Bernal said.
Kaleef Johnson, parent of Olivewood Elementary student Kaina, said he too is appreciative of the event because although he is employed at a staffing company, he usually is on call and it can become difficult to make ends meet during the holidays.
“It’s a little hard on getting hours for work so (the event) does help out a little bit,” he said.
Johnson said the event also rewards Kaina for her hard work at school.
“Plus they’re doing good in school so it’s nice to get a nice little reward for being good.”
Kaina walked away with a football and a wrapped gift.
Kaina first appeared overwhelmed when selecting the football among all the toys.
“It’s amazing,” she said about the abundance of toys.
Kaina said the event gives her cheer for two holidays.
“This gift is for Christmas and Kwannza,” she said. “I celebrate Kwannza too.”
The underprivileged children and their families were selected to participate by the local school district.
Children who are chosen usually come from a family with financial hardships, said police Sgt. Alex Hernandez.
The National City Police Department had about 320 toys stacked on folding tables for children to choose from. The toys ranged from board games to dolls to bicyles.
A second Christmas giveaway was held in the afternoon, after school hours.
