The holidays bring even more financial worries for San Diego families already struggling to live paycheck-to-paycheck.
Every December, the Chicano Federation of San Diego County hosts its distribution of donations collected to meet the basic need of the families they serve.
Sylvia Villa brought her five children the the event held Saturday in Barrio Logan. They family lives in Chula Vista.
“We can’t really afford too much. Food and everything is so expensive,” Villa said. “It helps just to be able to get the kids something under the tree this year.”
Toys and books were donated by the Lakeshore Learning Store, one of the Chicano Federation’s corporate partners.
We can’t really afford too much. Food and everything is so expensive. It helps just to be able to get the kids something under the tree this year.
Sylvia Villa, mother of five children
The struggle is different for each family, but the desire is the same. A desire to have a happy holiday season and to get much needed support. That could mean a box of diapers or a health check up from one of the healthcare providers at the event.
“All of this was very carefully curated throughout the year to ensure that we have enough for all of the families that are joining us today,” said Adrianna O’Donnell, the Federation’s chief growth officer.
While more than 500 families registered over 1,000 children to receive gifts and services, no one was turned away at the door, Saturday. The Chicano Federation still has resources available to offer people who need help this month.
Go here to apply for assistance.
“Just seeing the smile on (my child’s) face, knowing that they were able to get something. It helps. It helps a lot,” Sylvia Villa told NBC 7.
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