The Vietnam Veterans Group of San Quentin (VVGSQ) will be assisting Santa Claus in the San Quentin visiting rooms where he will be giving out gifts to the children and young family members of prisoners.
The gifts will be handed out by Santa and his elves in the visiting rooms starting Dec. 12 and will continue on Fridays and weekends until Christmas Day. Children from toddlers to 14 years of age are able to receive gifts, according to Santa. Santa is also available for pictures, so please remember to purchase your picture ducats ahead of time in the canteen.
The VVGSQ is celebrating its 20th annual toy drive this year.
“Last year we handed out over 350 bags of toys,” says Eddie Renteria, who is the only prisoner who gets to talk directly to Santa.
The gift bags Santa will be giving out contain all sorts of goodies, according to Renteria. He says last years gifts included games, basketballs, footballs, action figures, remote control cars and much more.
“The declining economy has had an adverse affect on some of our corporate sponsors’ ability to donate this year,” says Renteria. “But individual donations from people seem to be making up the difference.”
If you wish to make a donation or have any questions contact Lt. Cramer at Ext. 5757