Ebenezer Scrooge would have hated the gift giveaway in Escondido on Saturday.
Around 250 families experiencing financial hardship were given free Christmas gifts, and other essentials, at the Winterfaith Wonderland event on Auto Park Way. Interfaith Community Services has been doing the program for a decade, but this is the first time those in need were invited to pick gifts themselves.
Janet Reeves, a senior manager with Interfaith, said allowing parents to pick out gifts creates more of a sense of dignity. In the past, the organization would select and wrap presents, and then drive them to families in need.
“When you are able to choose your own gifts,” she said, “it changes things.”
Debora Tiakaa, originally from Ghana, smiles as she looks through clothes while she, her husband and son, background, attend the Interfaith Community Services’ annual Winterfaith in Escondido on Saturday. (Hayne Palmour IV / For The San Diego Union-Tribune)
The organization served about 200 families last year but Reeves said the need is greater now. She said delays or suspension of benefits from the federal government are being felt throughout the community.
Nicole Young, of Escondido, said she felt a huge relief being able to get some gifts for free for her 15-year-old son and 52-year-old husband while struggling to make ends meet.
“I’m working three (part-time) jobs,” she said, “and it’s killing me.”
Those shopping were allowed to get two gifts for adults and four for children. There were also produce bags with vegetables and canned goods and hygiene packets with shampoo, toothpaste and other toiletries.
Volunteers Monica Guevara and son Julian, 15, both at left, wrap gifts during Interfaith Community Services’ annual Winterfaith, a two day event where 250 families in need received food, clothing and Christmas gifts, with the help of around 150 volunteers, at Interfaith Community Services in Escondido on Saturday. (Hayne Palmour IV / For The San Diego Union-Tribune)
It took a lot of people, time and effort to pull off the Winterfaith Wonderland. There were more than 150 volunteers from companies like tech giant Apple, on the small but mighty scale from Girl Scout Troop 1015, and dozens of families. There were many sponsors helping cover costs, including Yogurtland of Escondido, Pfizer, National League Charity and North Island Credit Union. Then, there were the hundreds of San Diegans that donated items.
Cat Fletcher, 13, a student at Bear Valley Middle School, had been volunteering with her family for several years and was excited to meet families in person. She was placed at a wrapping station where parents could take gifts after making their selections.
“It just makes my heart feel better,” she said. “And I’m spending time with my family.”
Those shopping for gifts waited in line outside the Interfaith Community Hub and were called individually in a staggered schedule. After checking in, a volunteer with a large cart guided them through a shopping area as Christmas music played over Bluetooth speakers. Parents could drop off children in a play area with various arts and crafts.
Scarlet Swiss, 10, helps organize children’s games as she and fellow members of Encinitas Girl Scouts Troop 1015 volunteer during Interfaith Community Services’ annual Winterfaith. (Hayne Palmour IV / For The San Diego Union-Tribune)
There were stations for infants, toddlers (2 to 4 years old), kids (5 to 12 years old), teenagers (13 to 17 years old), pets and adults. Items included stuffed animals, dolls, toy cars, pretend cooking sets, basketballs, footballs, Legos, puzzles and board games.
Andres Evans, 35, of Escondido, was shopping with his wife for his 1-year-old son and 13-year-old daughter. He said it was a tough year for the family financially but he is determined to bounce back and grateful he got some help this year.
“This year hit us really hard,” he said while holding his 1-year-old son, Emilio. “We are trying to move forward and not dwell on it.”
They selected a book set for Emilio from the Baby Einstein series, which are colorful books for young children to learn shapes, counting, letters and other topics.
Volunteer Robin Kelley shows Lexi Franco, 1, and sister Grace Franco, 4, dolls as they and mother Melissa Franco, left, receive gifts and other items during Interfaith Community Services’ annual Winterfaith in Escondido on Saturday. (Hayne Palmour IV / For The San Diego Union-Tribune)
Interfaith estimates it will serve more than 400 individuals for the event, which also ran on Friday. They said the biggest shortage this year was gifts for adults, particularly for senior citizens.
Volunteer Bianna Narvaiz, 17, a student at Escondido High School, said she hopes the in-person shopping event will continue in years to come.
“You just meet so many new people,” she said, “and get their whole life story.”