Richard Reyes, aka Pancho Claus, said he’s adding parts of the Rio Grande Valley to his Christmas gift that has become a tradition in Houston.
HOUSTON — Santa Claus has a workshop, and so does Pancho Claus.
“We’ve been doing this for 41 years,” said Richard Reyes, aka Pancho Claus.
About 75 “elves” spent part of their Sunday making and wrapping dozens of donation boxes.
“They go to bars, restaurants, corporations, family parties, churches, schools, wherever,” Reyes said.
RELATED: Pancho Claus receives $10,000 donation for Houston Christmas tradition
Donations help Reyes fulfill his annual Christmas gift that features him in his signature red zoot suit and a parade of low riders.
Houston’s holiday tradition will be expanded this Christmas thanks to a donation from the Sports & Outdoors Academy.
“We’re going to the Rio Grande Valley,” Reyes said.
The team will specifically target settlements known as “colonies” where access to even basic necessities, let alone toys, is limited.
“They are unincorporated areas that have no services like water, lights, sewer, light… no paved roads,” Reyes said. “So there’s a huge need.”
Houston comedian and volunteer Jacinto Maturino received a Pancho Claus toy as a child. It’s one that helps prepare for this season’s even bigger gift.
RELATED: Pancho Claus needs your help to make Houston kids’ Christmas dreams come true
“I can honestly say he’s a pillar of our community and I can’t wait to help him in any way I can,” Maturino said.
It’s something Pancho Claus has countless others with.
“I’m Richard Reyes, I’m not Pancho Claus,” Reyes said. “I created the character, but all of Houston is Pancho Claus.”
You can learn more about Pancho Claus’ mission and how you can help here.
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