Since 1991, Sister Rosa Dolores Rodriguez has led an effort to bring holiday cheer to families in need at Casa de la Cultura in Pajaro, where she serves as Executive Director.
The organization’s annual Food and Gift Christmas Giveaway invites children to sign up prior to the event to get a Christmas toy. It also qualifies their families for packages of food and new clothing.
This year, despite the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, Sister Dolores was determined to move forward with the event.
“It’s special every year, but it’s even more special this year because we’re alive,” she said. “We still have the ability to serve and provide food and toys for the kids.”
Dolores and her fellow volunteers were looking for a way to adapt the giveaway, which usually takes place at Casa de la Cultura’s small headquarters and the surrounding parking lot. Thankfully, their neighbors at Marinovich Cold Storage, owned by the Alvarez Brothers, were ready to help.
The giveaway on Monday morning was adapted as a drive-thru. Families entered near Casa de la Cultura and drove through the storage facility, where volunteers were set up in different areas. A live nativity welcomed families as they arrived. Then bags of food were handed off by students, staff, alumni and families from Palma High School in Salinas.
Families were then greeted by none other than Santa Claus himself, who waved in greeting and handed down large bags of gifts with the help of some elves.
Three such elves were volunteers from Driscoll’s—Stephanie Ruhl, who organized her fellow employees to be part of the event, and father-daughter team Matthew and Olivia Quinlan. They helped wrap and label the toys, as well.
“It’s so important to be there for the community,” Ruhl said. “We should show them they are not alone, and there are a lot of people who do want to help.”
Ruhl added that being out with the other volunteers and seeing all the families has been special, since she cannot be with her own family this year.
“It’s great to be part of this, to be here with everyone and help support these kids,” she said.
After visiting Santa, families made one final stop to pick up brand new coats from the Resurrection Church Knights of Columbus Council. This is the fifth year straight that the group has donated hundreds of coats to the giveaway through their Coats for Kids program.
A total of 552 coats were handed out Monday. In addition, hundreds more were sent to Jacob’s Heart Children’s Cancer Support Services and the All About Kids foster program in Oroville.
Knight of Columbus officer Larry Young praised Sister Dolores for her hard work in putting on the giveaway despite challenging circumstances.
“She’s a wonderful lady, she gives so much,” he said. “She gives her time and talent to help others. It’s a blessing to call her a friend.”
Dolores had a long list of people to thank, including all of her “dedicated” volunteers from Pajaro and longstanding volunteer Sister Teresa, who was busy directing traffic around the complex Monday.
“It’s sure different this year, but we’re figuring it out,” Sister Teresa said.
Other donors and volunteers included Deluxe Foods’ Mark Monte, Brian Bigioni, Tanya Kosta, Louis Ivanovich of West Lake Fresh, Taylor Farms, Braga Farms, Steinbeck Produce, Jim Black and Jeff Gabrio, Royal Oaks Farms, Marion LaRue, Thorne Communications, Together in Pajaro, Santa Cruz County Supervisor Greg Caput and Monterey County Supervisor John Phillips, and more.
Sister Dolores said she hopes the event brought a sense of normalcy to the families’ and especially the kids’ Christmas holiday.
“I’ve heard from some of the parents… at all times of the year, when they drive by Casa [de la Cultura], their kids say, ‘That’s where Santa Claus is!’ I’m glad we can still bring that magic to them,” she said.
