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2,500 valley children in need receive gifts during toy drive at Galilee Center

Published December 26, 2018 1:17 AM

The Galilee Center in Mecca gifted 600 new bicycles to valley children during their annual Christmas toy giveaway. In total, 2,500 children went home with new toys and bikes.

“It’s a very blessed Christmas for all the children who are coming today from the Eastern Coachella Valley. Those are the poorest of the poor they come from Mecca, Thermal, all the trailer parks on this side, the farm workers,” said Gloria Gomez, founder and executive director of the Galilee Center.

Lines at the center were out the door, some families began lining up at 5 a.m.

“My kids are so happy they got what they wanted…everyone is just so nice,” one parent told News Channel 3.

Families also received a free food basket filled with a fresh turkey, canned items and other holiday goodies. Many families in attendance said while the presents and food were nice, they were just grateful to be together on Christmas.

“This is special because we stay together like a family. Most days in the year we are not together so this is special to stay together,” said a parent at the drive.

“I have a brother in Mexico too and seeing his Christmas tree empty with just two Christmas presents, it breaks my heart because here it’s a luxury and for them it’s hard to afford and I’m sure a lot of people here too,” said Jaqueline Gatica, a UCLA Student.

The toys were donated by different companies around the valley and the 600 bikes were donated by local doctor Bruce Hagen Sr. As a child, Dr. Hagen had his bicycle Christmas gift repossessed. It was a life-altering experience for Hagen, who said he never wanted another child to have to go through that same shame and embarrassment. He got in contact with Gomez and has been donating bikes to the center annually.

Dozens of people volunteered at this morning’s drive, happy to help put smiles on people’s faces today. Many agreed that a smile just might be the best Christmas gift of all.

“Passing it out and seeing people be happy, a really big smile, it’s really cute,” a Galilee Center volunteer said.