The day was started and all were waiting. The Barrio inhabitants were restless. The children were watching down the road,, waiting. And waiting and waiting. Where is he? They knew what day it was. It was Christmas Eve Day. The day Santa comes to deliver presents and food to the many who have nothing.

There is no snow for his reindeer and sleigh. What will he do? Do not worry, Santa is pretty clever. He has been doing this for a long time and he will figure something out. The dogs have started barking, the sign that someone is coming down the road. Who could it be? It is a white van with red horns on the front and a red nose. And who are all the others following him?

Why, it is Santa and his helpers. I told you. He would figure something out. He stops at the first house and the children come running while the parents stand back kind of shy. They have seen this before and they want the kids to have their moment to be happy. Santa gives the kids presents and gum balls. In return he gets all the smiles, hugs, and kisses on his bright red cheeks. The little ones are not quite sure but soon they are holding on to him so he can’t leave.

The parents get something too. A scarf for the moms and grandmothers.  A pair of good work gloves, for dad and grandpa. But wait, that’s not all. A warm dinner for the family, so they don’t have to go to bed hungry on Christmas Eve. It is supposed to be a celebration of the birth of Jesus, but in my heart I believe he will understand. When the children get on their knees that night they will say God Bless Santa, and hurry up tomorrow so I can play with my new toy!

Toys and money donations are welcome at the American Legion for next year. It becomes a “down to the moment” thing, around the 1st of December, to get all the stuff together so Santa can make his deliveries on time. Joy Del Rios is the fundraiser. She will make sure that all is accounted for so we don’t run short. Paul Raddatz, the Commander of the Post, is Santa. He loves all the hugs and kisses and the people of Puerto Peñasco from store keepers to policemen to construction workers.  Everyone knows when he pulls up in his white van that he has a couple extra gum balls and they wave at him and holler “Hi Santa”, when he goes by. This year we will serve around 70 complete chicken dinners to 41 families with 131 kids, 113 adults, equaling 244 people.

I know I am late this year with this article but just maybe you will remember next year and will help us give these people a little love. You are all welcome to come with us as Santas Helpers. Cameras are taken as remembrances of the children’s joy and tissues for lots of tears cause it’s all worth it. If you would like to join in this caravan, please call the Post for further details.  Magic Jack number is (602) 539-0381. Mexican phone is (011-52-638) 388-8841.

Wishing you all a Happy and Prosperous New Year from all of us at the American Legion Post MX 15, Rocky Point Mexico.