Tijuana - After weeks of hard work collecting toys for children living in orphanages in Tijuana, a group of young San Diegans delivered.

The group, Toys for TJ Tots, started collecting items in early December and complemented their efforts with fundraisers, all to bring smiles and hope to kids living in orphanages in this border city.

They delivered toys, blankets, food, and personal items on Saturday afternoon to two orphanages. The kids appreciated the gifts but most of all they loved the attention they received from the nearly 20 young men and women who had volunteered for this cause.

At the City of Angels orphanage, home to more than 30 boys and girls in the city's outskirts, the youngsters enjoyed a pizza lunch and played with their new toys. And they thanked the group members the best way they knew how.

They sang Christmas songs to them in Spanish and even in English.

This is the second year the organization has collected toys, said its leader, Alfonso Hernández. The members are young Hispanics who are college students and professionals.

Hernández, who owns a charter bus company, credits his father for inspiring him. For years, his father collected toys for children in Tijuana orphanages, and took his son with him when he delivered them. Now as an adult, Hernández wanted to continue that labor of love.

He said that it took a lot of work to be able to give the children some joy.

"That was the best part. Looking at their smiling faces makes it all worthwhile."

Micaela.arroyo@sandiegored.com

See video in Spanish.