It’s not just about the toys: Miracle En El Barrio is a 22-year tradition that is much more than that.
“Miracle is about giving kids the greatest Christmas gift of all: Love. My hope is that we give them hope and they understand that we care about what they need. We don’t know what their needs are at home and it isn’t our job to judge, but with Miracle, we are giving them a toy and food and something to show that they are important. When they receive that and see all the work we are doing, hopefully that inspires them to give back when they are older and carry on these traditions of giving,” said Steve Nuñez, who co-founded the event with Jon Volpe more than two decades ago.
Since inception, Miracle En El Barrio has gifted toys to more than 42,000 children in need. This year it attained 501c3 nonprofit status in an effort to encourage community collaborations and partnerships.
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About 2,000 kids from Tucson’s south side are expected to experience the magic of Miracle En El Barrio from 8 a.m to noon Saturday, Dec. 21 at St. John’s Church, 602 W. Ajo Way.
With Santa on board, food from Eegee’s, Chick-fil-A and more, and contributions from other local businesses, all that is needed for the celebration are volunteers and donations of new, unwrapped toys — particularly electronics suitable for children ages eight to 14. Monetary donations are also encouraged to help purchase items for older kids.
“It gets harder and harder every year with inflation and the skyrocketing toy prices. When you think of toy drives, everyone thinks of little children and they buy toys for three- or four-year-olds and not older kids. The kids eight and older — boys and girls — want electronics like speakers, headphones and ear buds, so we have to raise money to fill the gap. The price point for these items is costlier,” Nuñez said.
He emphasized that as the effort continues to grow, his greatest motivation is working together with other individuals and businesses in the community to “put smiles on the faces of these children” and instill hope, confidence and self-worth. Rain or shine, the event will continue.
“Last year, it was cold and raining and so many parents came up and thanked us ... we stayed until the last kid went through the line. I had one father say, ‘You saved my family’s Christmas.’ He had just been laid off and he had five kids. It is all about the kids. That is the miracle and that is why it keeps growing and spreading,” Nuñez said.
