Families who can’t afford holiday gifts this year are in luck.
A nonprofit that supports the local Latino community is doling out presents to those in need at their annual toy giveaway Tuesday afternoon. Veronica Salcedo of CREA and Nashville Noticias says the annual event is meant to give kids happy memories, even in a year filled with sickness and financial hardship.
“In this era, we need to share with people,” she says in Spanish. “It’s always a way for people to know that what they share is really given with a lot of love and also received with a lot of love, because our kids are so thankful, and anything you give them will make them smile.”
Salcedo says she also hopes the giveaway teaches kids they should help others when they can.
“They’re going to grow up, and we want to give them an example to think about someone else,” she says. “We want them to remember, ‘Oh, when I was a kid, someone gave me a toy because my family didn’t have enough to buy it for me, and it made me happy.'”
Multiple sponsors have donated gifts, including Nissan and First Community Mortgage. In addition to picking out toys, families can also snack on tamales, champurrado (a Mexican hot chocolate drink) and cupcakes.
More than 800 families have already registered for the event at Plaza Mariachi, which starts Tuesday at 4 p.m. About 2,000 people are expected to attend.
If you haven’t registered and want to come, Salcedo suggests you get there early. She’s also still accepting gift donations. Anyone who wants to contribute can bring gifts to Plaza Mariachi or call (615) 984-8274.
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