Christmas came a few days early for more than 120 National City children Monday morning courtesy of their local police department and the low-rider car community.
They received free toys, gift cards and a photo with Santa during the sixth annual holiday event organized by the National City Police Department and the Low Rider Community of San Diego. Both raised the donations.
Families, mostly Latinos, arrived with their children and were formally introduced as they entered a room inside the police headquarters filled with toys, Santa Claus and holiday spirit.
"It keeps the Christmas spirit alive," said Enery Zendejas, who brought five of her six children to the police station on a rainy morning.
She said her husband works as a self-employed landscaper but business has been slow and she's not working.
"It helps a lot. We can have more toys for the kids. Her oldest son is sick and could not make the trip but the family received a gift for him also.
Maria Ruiz said money is tight and she wasn't planning to buy too many toys this year. Her seven-year-old daughter Daniela was happy with the Barbie doll and drawing kit that she received.
National City Police Chief Adolfo Gonzalez said donations were up this year and so were the number of needy families who received them.
"Normally, we have 10 or 20 families but this year we're seeing more families in need because of the economy," Gonzalez said. Twenty-nine families received donations, including gift cards from Wal-Mart and Food Land Supermarket in National City.
The Low Rider Community of San Diego, a car club association, donated many of the toys. The association held a car show recently that drew 150 participants. To enter they had to bring toy donations.
Members of the car clubs, Latin Touch, Unique Ladies, Chosen, Stylistics and Finest helped give away toys Monday morning.
Mayra Nuñez, a spokeswoman for the Low Rider Community, said low-rider clubs are active in their communities. "We do a toy drive every year," she said. "We're trying to erase the negative stigma we have."
She said low rider club members are car aficionados not gang members.
"We do positive things in the community."
Also participating this morning were: The National City Police Police Officers Association, National Latino Peace Officers Association, National School District, Four Horsemen Motorcycle Club, National City cadet program and Marine Corps Personnel.
Leonel.sanchez@sandiegored.com
