“Pancho Claus” and his volunteers plan to distribute 20,000 presents this season between Houston and the Rio Grande Valley.
HOUSTON, Texas — From tables crammed with toys and different presents amid a soundtrack of seasonal songs and even Santa’s bell, tons of of households bought some Christmas cheer Tuesday freed from cost.
“I feel it is cool,” mentioned one child.
“You realize, it is a massive factor for them,” mentioned a dad or mum.
It is also an enormous deal for the person who virtually missed it.
Richard Reyes, higher generally known as “Pancho Claus,” remains to be recovering from main surgical procedure he underwent simply weeks in the past.
“A pacemaker, the open coronary heart surgical procedure, double bypass,” mentioned Reyes. “So, I feel I am good.”
Whereas he is needed to skip most vacation actions this 12 months, Tuesday’s giveaway and his well-known low-rider parade on Christmas Day are particular must-dos, thanks largely to the neighborhood’s assist.
“Nicely, after I was a child, I used to get toys from Pancho Claus,” mentioned first-time volunteer Mary Moreno. “So, I am right here, I wish to give again if I can.”
Reyes, who began portraying “Pancho Claus” within the early Eighties, considers his best present to be the gratitude of these receiving and the power to present with assist from donations.
“What you see round you,” mentioned Reyes. “The volunteers, the children, simply all of the neighborhood that pitches in to verify all this occurs.”
Reyes and his associates initially served simply 10 households greater than 40 years in the past.
He expects to present out 20,000 presents this 12 months between Houston and the Rio Grande Valley.
