With more families needing toys, food and clothes for their children this holiday season, local charities are struggling to keep up. “If this (year) is an indication, it’s gonna be a tough road ahead,” says Steve Nuñez, organizer and founder of Miracle en el Barrio.
Miracle en el Barrio’s goal is to collect 3,000 toys for South Tucson children and according to Nuñez they are far from reaching their objective, but he is optimistic.
Miracle en el Barrio began in 2003 and raises money with the help of local businesses. “We solicit donations from our business partners,” says Nuñez. Using a mass e-mail campaign, Miracle’s supporters ask friends to donate money so the organization can purchase toys at KB Toys.
Sponsored by Nova Home Loans, Nuñez started Miracle after witnessing the struggles of nonprofits seeking donations every holiday season. To assist Tucson families, Nuñez decided to start Miracle en el Barrio by calling on Tucson businesses for support. His own childhood experience of not receiving gifts for the holidays further inspired Nuñez to create the organization. “I do know what it feels like to not receive toys at Christmas,” says Nuñez.
Now, six years later, Miracle has the participating support of more than eight local businesses for his campaign. “It’s just a bunch of businesses coming together and making this happen,” says Nuñez. “We just decided to do something to give back to the community.”Families can come to the Miracle en el Barrio event on Dec. 19 from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. at the Fry’s on Campbell Avenue and Irvington Road to receive toys for their children. Eegees, Chic-fil-A and Peter Piper Pizza will provide food.
To donate toys, go to these Nova Home Loans locations: 1650 E. River Road, suite 108; 6245 E. Broadway, Suite 400; 5255 E. Williams Circle, Suite 6600; 11115 N. La Canada Drive, Suite 155; 2761 N. Country Club Road, Suite 101.
Or make checks payable to Miracle en el Barrio Nova Home Loans 6245 E. Broadway, Suite 210 Tucson, Az 85711. For more information call 991-2722.
Here is a list of other organizations where families can receive items for the holidays or where individuals can make a donation:
Toys for Tots:
To request toys, go to www.toysfortotstucson.org and click on “request toys.”
To make a donation at one of the 25 available drop off sites go to www.toysfortotstucson.org and click on “donate toys.”
Christmas Wish:
Drop off toys, clothes or just about anything at the KRQ studio, 3202 N. Oracle Road;
O’Reilly Chevrolet, 6100 E. Broadway;
Switzer family Chiropractic, 927 N. Swan Road.
You can also make a $2 donation by texting “wish” to 68683 or go to www.krq.com/pages/promo/christmas_wish
Salvation Army Angel Giving Tree:
Trees are set up in the Tucson and Foothills Mall where people can purchase gifts for children who left their wish on the ornaments.
For families who need help with toys call 881-9037.
Or for other information, call 795-9671.
The Giving Tree:
Purchase unwrapped toys with a card indicating the age of the child it is appropriate for, then drop them off at 4888 E. Broadway. Donators can receive a tax credit for the donation by going to www.thegivingtreeoutreach.org and clicking on the tax credit form link.
Families can receive gifts starting on Dec. 21 through Christmas. For information call 320-5437.
