LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — A truck full of toys brought cheer to hundreds of children and their parents Sunday afternoon.
C3 Church Las Vegas is aware that many of its parishioners are less fortunate than others. A day before Christmas more than 1,000 children handpicked a gift.
The gifts were provided by local business leader Peter Palivos and other community members.
Pastor Mario Rodríguez told 13 Action News, 2018 was a rough year for many of his congregants and that they couldn’t afford presents.
Las Vegas church @c3lasvegas teams with local business leader to bring 1,000+ gifts to the children of parishioners. City leaders and officers will pass out the toys after the Christmas play! @LVMPD @SteveSisolak @StevenHorsford @RepKihuen @KTNV pic.twitter.com/JCycmstFxp
— Cinthia Maldonado (@CinthiaKtnv) December 23, 2018
"We live in an area of town that has a huge need. So, every year we try to give at least one toy for every kid and that makes a difference in our community," said Pastor Rodríguez.
C3 Church Las Vegas is located on the east side of the valley and many of its churchgoers work for minimum wage, rely on government assistance, or have no income at all. Besides the holiday presents each month C3 Church feeds 1,000 needy families.
"It's really thoughtful of him to set this whole thing up for us we're really grateful," said a church member.
For many parents, the act of kindness was the best present they could've received.
"For so many people to come together for the kids, to make them feel special that makes me happy," said Luz Ramirez. Her daughter picked a Barbie.
More than a 1,000 kids @c3lasvegas church are getting gifts before Christmas. State leaders and @LVMPD officers are helping spread the joy! @RepKihuen @SteveSisolak @StevenHorsford @KTNV pic.twitter.com/Du8PsudKGI
— Cinthia Maldonado (@CinthiaKtnv) December 23, 2018
Governor-elect Sisolak, U.S. Represented-elect Horsford, U.S. Representative Kihuen, and Las Vegas Metropolitan Police officers were there to help spread joy.
"During the holiday season, we have to take a step back and realize that not all children in our community will have a happy Christmas, a Merry Christmas," said Rep. Kihuen.
"It makes your heart warm and what a better place to build a partnership to build the community and the police department. Offering them a Feliz Navidad that they wouldn't have any other time," said Captain Chavez.
There were gifts for every child no matter the age.
