GILROY
– Santa will make a special appearance in Gilroy this Sunday to
shower gifts on the Gilroy Eigleberry Neighborhood Association’s
(GENA) adopted family, Alejandro Martinez and his four sons, Abel,
13, Gerson, 12, Alex, 11 and Jairo, 8.
GILROY – Santa will make a special appearance in Gilroy this Sunday to shower gifts on the Gilroy Eigleberry Neighborhood Association’s (GENA) adopted family, Alejandro Martinez and his four sons, Abel, 13, Gerson, 12, Alex, 11 and Jairo, 8.
Inspired by the Post Office’s tradition of adopting a family for the holidays, mail carrier and GENA president, Art Barron suggested the association collect gifts for the Martinez family this season.
“He’s always ready and willing to participate,” Barron said of Martinez who has worked at the Garlic Festival, Voter Registration Drive, Downtown Parade, Salvation Army and his church.
“There was a need so we wanted to help fill it,” Barron said.
Donations started pouring in when the news spread by word of mouth. Barron then passed flyers around to neighbors and local businesses asking for gifts, gift certificates and clothes for the family. So far, the association has collected from about 15 people. Dicar Insurance will also give pan dulce, chocolate, beverages and other supplies for the potluck which will follow Santa’s visit.
“The community is really coming out strong for this. That’s the great thing about Gilroy. People are always willing to help,” Barron said.
The public can drop off money or gift certificates at the VFW-Veterans Hall, located at 74 West Seventh St. or 6976 Chestnut St. The hours at the Chestnut location are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The project will culminate Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Veterans Hall when Santa will present the Martinez family with all the donations followed by a potluck dinner.
Donations for raffle prizes are also greatly appreciated. Veterans Hall is located at 74 West Seventh St.
For more information, call Barron at 315-0854.
