This is a guest Article by Karen Aldridge about the Santa Claus Club a local charity that helps different causes in Rocky Point specially little kids. Santa Claus Club is a non-profit organization with more than 30 years helping Puerto Peñasco.
Enter Karen:
My husband & I first heard about the SANTA CLAUS CLUB from the ROCKY POINT TIMES NEWSPAPER, when we were still living in Cottonwood, AZ.
We moved to Rocky Point in August 2011. We had visited Rocky Point since 1995, so we thought we knew the town well before we moved here. But, within a couple of months of living here, we experienced the daily friendliness and welcoming attitude of the town toward Americans. We wanted to “give back” something to the town to show our gratitude for the town making Americans feel so welcome!
We thought helping out at the barrios would be one way to help the community and show our appreciation for what the community does for the Americans!
We were originally from Southern California, so we made many trips to Tijuana, Ensenada, and towns further south. We did see the barrios in Tijuana, but we never actually made a trip there to help the people.
Our first trip to the barrios in Rocky Point was with the Christmas Delivery of toys in December 2011. That is the largest delivery of the whole year, and it shows the hard work of John Fowler and many “Santa Claus Helpers!” Once the Christmas Delivery is done, John Fowler begins to collect items again for the next Christmas Delivery. He has many members in the SANTA CLAUS CLUB, who help with dues or donations, and also many helpers too. During the last 30 some years of doing the SANTA CLAUS CLUB, John Fowler has met many people who help out with this project. Some have shops, and they call John to pick up good items when they don’t sell. Some of his contacts work in hospitals, and they call John when they have a surplus or items that are no longer needed.
We average two trips a week to the barrios, usually Friday & Saturday mornings. I love the people I have met there and the families who have become familiar to me. I actually miss it if I don’t get to go to the barrios on a weekend.
When we drive up, we are usually met with big smiles! Peoples’ faces show their excitement and anticipation. I think everyone has the “spirit of hope.” We get many “thank you’s,” sometimes hugs from the ladies, and “handshakes” from the men. I think what we do is give people a “big lift in their spirit,” and a boost in their morale when we give them some newer clothes, food bags, or a bike. This gives them hope for a better day! All people, no matter where they live, will have a time in their life when they need help. We have some of the same problems in the U.S.
It’s a great feeling to see everyone happier when we drive away. It’s especially fun to see the children, as they are so thrilled to get a ball to toss to friends, or some other small toy, or school supplies. If they get a bike, that is huge for them! For the adults, a bike often means transportation to get to work. I love the human interaction and being able to witness their emotions. Yes, I think we make a difference, and this makes me feel very good all week long!
Karen Aldridge
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This Saturday July 5th there is going to be a event starting at 4pm @ Hotel Playa Bonita were 100% of tickets sales will go directly to the Santa Claus Club (Flyer below)
There is a lot you can do to help the Santa Claus Club from donating food, toys or different items to donating a weekend of your time. For more information about the Santa Claus Club you can check this Interview with John Fowler Click Here
Thanks to Karen for sharing her experience with the Santa Claus Club, Karen is also the founder of the Rocky Point Calendar for more information and to watch a video about the Rocky Point Calendar Click Here
