SAN DIEGO — The spirit of the holidays is resonating with children in the South Bay.
Latino Santa is packing up his sleigh to make the holidays a little brighter for Latino children. This weekend's holiday festival at the Border View YMCA in Otay Mesa West will be the first in person holiday event since COVID and is expected to have record attendance.
“Over 1,900 kids have registered for Saturdays event,” said Wendi Messina, YMCA of San Diego County, Executive Manager.
Santa's elves are already lining the gym with gifts from Toys for Tots for kids ages newborn to fourteen years old. Not only will the gifts be making a big impact for families struggling to buy presents but Saint Nicholas will be making an early appearance.
“Ho, ho, ho! Feliz Navidad,” said Latino Santa.
He remembers what it was like when he was a kid.
“Growing up I didn't see a Latino Santa, there was always a White Santa,” he said.
He doesn't want Latino kids to relive his experience.
“As a kid you want to relate to the person you're going to maybe sit on their lap, it was a little daunting,” said Santa. “Not going to lie it was a little scary for me, I didn't feel a hundred percent going up to. him [Santa] because I didn't recognize the face.”
The Border View YMCA leaders understand being in a community that is predominately Hispanic, they need Latino Santa to make a visit.
“Having someone that looks like your grandpa, your uncle, your dad that is a very important thing for kids in this community,” said Messina.
That demand has kept Latino Santa busy in the North Pole and in San Diego.
CBS 8 shared when he first visited Plaza Bonita mall in 2021.
While Latino Santa understands he can be any color, he hopes by being himself, it will brighten the holidays a little more for the next generation of believers.
“We're here at the Y to create a safe space for kids and create an inclusive space for kids and honestly it's giving back to them in a positive way. And if I make their holiday season a little better, I'm here,” said Santa.
The Border View YMCA is still accepting donations for Saturday's toy drive.
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