A Local Organization Helps Parents Bring Christmas Home
Christmas is just a couple of days away and thanks to the help of a local organization many Valley children will have gifts under the Christmas tree to unwrap.
“What do you think about this for her, yeah that’s good she will be so happy” says Claudina Tijerina.
A shiny new pink bike was given to Tijerina and she shopped through the Christmas store, set up by the Narrow Door organization. Parents shop through different rooms set up with gifts, at no cost.
The bike is a gift that Tijerina’s daughter has wanted for a quite sometime
“All the time the TV comes on she says, Oh I want that and that and I say I have to win the lottery first”, said Tijerina.
Sue Ramirez, Co-Founder of the Narrow Door explains “the Christmas store is a magical place where families can come and choose a gift without the kid knowing and theyalso get a photo and a box of holiday food”.
Volunteers help parents navigate through the Christmas store choosing gifts for their children. It’s something these families wouldn’t be able to do otherwise.
Over 6,000 toys will be handed out to families in the Valley–the organization received lots of help from the CHP’s annual CHiP’s for kids toy drive.
The Indio location is one of four sites, with over 1,400 families being served.
Joan Washburn, a volunteer with the organization for nine years says “Just to be a part of that and be a part of the community and to serve the community is just such a blessing to all of us that volunteer”.
Stores are in Indio, Palm Springs, Coachella and Desert Hot Springs and will operate through this Saturday.
They are still in need of gifts for boys and girls ages 10 to 13. To donate gifts or volunteer your time, go to www.thenarrowdoor.org or call 760-775-6200.
