Stanislaus County charity working to deliver toys, clothes to children in need this holiday season
STANISLAUS COUNTY – With the holidays just weeks away, a Stanislaus County charity is working hard to bring joy to local families in need.
The annual Santa's Workshop is helping nearly 1,900 students this year with toys, clothes and hope.
Red Santa bags filled with clothes and toys are set to go out to hundreds of families in need this holiday, spanning across Stanislaus County.
"I've seen it grow throughout the years. I've seen how they've adjusted to the needs of the community," said Maribel Romero, the principal from Wakefield Elementary
She's one of 27 schools represented at Letters to Santa Charity's annual Santa's Workshop.
"I want people to know that this charity, although this is their big event that's leading up to the holidays, it's a process that takes months," Romero said.
The workshop is an annual event where Letters to Santa Charity invites representatives from more than two dozen Stanislaus County schools to its distribution center, allowing teachers to gather clothes and toys for their students.
"Each child will walk away with a Santa bag that is designated for them," said Betty Julian, President of Letters to Santa Charity.
Julian says students are selected by their teachers based on the specific needs of the child. A need that Julian says grows each year.
"This year we are on target to help nearly 1900 students. Every year the schools are in need of more and more assistance," Julian said.
They fundraise year-round to buy toys and clothing in bulk, stocking up for their Santa Workshop.
They also support other nonprofits that might be running low on holiday donations.
"This week, I'll be able to give the gifts out to families and they're super appreciative," Romero said.
After 10 years of being a part of the event, Romero says the hard work always pays off in the end.
"It brings joy to my heart to have a small part in this and to be able to give back to kids in our community," Romero said.
