Community organizations spread the joy of Christmas
With his thick salt and pepper beard, Sotero “Shorty” Villarreal Sr. could almost pass for Santa – if Santa was driving a 1992 Chevy Silverado lowrider.
On Christmas morning, the father-of-four drove a small convoy of cars through eastern Aldine, delivering thousands of toys, dolls, basketballs and bags of goodies to children who might otherwise s ‘pass it. The 30-year tradition of Juguetes Para el Barrio, or ‘Toys for the Neighborhood’, is a cherished holiday ritual for Villarreal and the members of its Latin Fantasy Lowrider Club, who collect toys year round in anticipation of the hours of the day. party.
Villarreal almost didn’t live to see the tradition’s 30th anniversary. Stricken with COVID-19 in March, he spent more than two months in hospital and several others at home recovering from the “horrible disease” which he says has robbed him of his energy and, almost, his life. . He dedicated this year’s gift to those lost to COVID.
Sirens blaring, two sheriff’s patrol cars announced the arrival of the trailer to a trailer park around noon. The drivers passed several rows of mobile homes before stopping near an orange tree adorned with silver garlands.
Eight-year-old Alex Pineda ran to the door of his house, before quickly returning inside.
“I was like, ‘What is this racket? “, Said Alex. “But then I saw the police and I got scared.”
Alex was again drawn to the sound of hip-hop and the sight of lowrider cars full of toys. The third grade student was given a Hot Wheels “Flip Ripper†truck, which looked like a miniature replica of the 1995 midnight blue Cadillac Fleetwood parked outside his house. When asked what he thought of his Christmas present, Alex’s eyes widened.
“I’ve never had Hot Wheels in my life,†he said.
Each year, lowriders search for new neighborhoods where parents might find it difficult to afford gifts for their children. Ruben Sorola, a former deputy in the Harris County Police Constable’s Office, helps identify areas in need of Christmas magic.
“Everyone deserves a little bit of joy,†Villarreal said.
It’s a feeling Danielle Shimfarr shares. Single mom and founder of nonprofit Aknew Approach hosted a separate Christmas Day celebration on Saturday at a picnic pavilion outside the Garden City Apartments community center to publicize the new after-school program of its organization.
Shimfarr, a self-proclaimed “serial entrepreneur,” already owns a medical supply store, a tax preparation company, and an online hair supply business. But the association, aimed at young people affected by the criminal justice system, is her way of giving back to the Northwest Houston community that raised her. It was inspired, she said, by a pastor who advised her to start small and “bless a person like you would bless everyone.”
As 2 p.m. approached, Shimfarr leaned over a table filled with donated food. A line of volunteers quickly scooped up servings of pineapple-glazed ham, baked beans, dirty rice and potato salad in to-go containers. At the end of the assembly line stood 8-year-old Mekhi Kirkwood in an oversized pair of plastic gloves.
Mekhi looked serious as he added the finishing touches – a King’s Hawaiian roll – before boxing meals back to everyone who arrived. Her mother, Ebony Sowells, said she thinks it is important to teach her that the holidays are about service, not about gifts.
“It’s not an option, it’s an obligation to give back,” she said.
Nearby, two bouncy castles were shaking with the strength of small feet. The teens threw a soccer ball back and forth. Two little girls walked past new pink bicycles. A volunteer disguised as Mrs. Claus served cups of hot chocolate.
Resident Barbara Sowll watched the commotion with approval.
“Our kids can’t even play outside safely anymore,†Sowll said. “We have to bring the community back. It’s good that someone brings joy and positivity.
She sent her 10-year-old grandson to the lodge to collect two boxed dishes and two pound cake, calling him, “Say excuse me and thank you!” “