With a little help from Santa, Pay It Forward La Feria brings holiday cheer to the community

Updated: December 31, 2020

***Local charity organization Pay It Forward La Feria put together their first annual toy drive bringing toys to families throughout the community.*** Photos: Nelda Briones / LFN

By NELDA BRIONES
LFN

This Christmas, a local group decided to make Christmas a little more special this year for children in our community.

La Feria’s Project Pay It Forward got together on Tuesday December 22nd to distribute presents and goodie bags to local children. Group organizer Alejandro Paz decided that he wanted to do something special for the underprivileged children of La Feria. So, after finding out that the local fire department wouldn’t be distributing on Christmas this year, he knew then he had to make it extra special.

The group ended up getting donations of over 300 toys and 300 goodie bags for distribution. He and local volunteers decided to put together a small parade to help distribute the gifts.

They decorated their cars with lights and tinsel and played Christmas music to let people know that they were on their way. Each vehicle carried presents and goodie bags.

Paz mentioned that he knew he wanted to do something big so that the children could remember this Christmas. One of the vehicles carried Santa and Mrs. Claus as they passed out gifts. Just seeing the faces on the children made it all worthwhile, stated Mr. Paz.

A lot of families are struggling, especially during this pandemic, and it gives them a sense of hope that someone is out there helping them.

In the future Paz wants to make this an annual event. He would like to give a big thank you to all the volunteers and people who donated items.

All the donations he received made his toy giveaway possible. Paz and his group also help families throughout the year with food, clothing, partial help with bills, etc.

Paz said that together his group wants to help people as much as they can, but can’t do it alone. They need donations and support. That is why they’ve put together Project Pay it Forward. You can donate on their Facebook page or could reach Paz directly at (956) 202-6533.