The countdown to Christmas is on and time is short for local toy drives to collect donations for kids.
One long-standing holiday tradition is particularly low on toys: Miracle on 31st Street, which started in South Tucson and has staged a party for children for more than 50 years. It is hoping to pull off a miracle in time for the event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 22 at Kennedy Park Fiesta Area, 3357 S. La Cholla Blvd. The holiday toy giveaway and holiday party also features food; Santa, the Grinch and other characters; a photo booth courtesy of Divines Photo Booth; and live music by two bands: Chalako the Band and Conjunto Diferencia.
“It seems like it is always like this and then the community comes through. That is why Ramon called it Miracle on 31st Street. People made a miracle happen every year,” said Suavecito Martinez, a volunteer who assists with public relations for the event.
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The late Ramon Gonzales was the founder of Miracle on 31st Street, which evolved over five decades from a small backyard barbecue into a celebration for 10,000 children at locations such as the Tucson Rodeo Grounds and Casino Del Sol.
“We do this not just to honor my father, but also to help out the kids here in the community. We know what they go through and we know how much this helps people out, so we want to continue doing it. It means so much to all of us,” said Manuel Gonzales, Ramon’s son.
The event has become a treasured tradition not only for children, but for adults in South Tucson.
PJ Enciso, owner of Ace of Fades Barbershop, began helping in 2017 after first providing free haircuts for children during back-to-school events.
“Giving back felt really good and was very appreciated by our community. In the barbershop you hear about kids who have nothing to open on Christmas Day, so I started doing what we call ‘Stuff the Truck or SxS’ to gather toys for kids. The car club community and recreational car community is pretty big and also eager to give back to our kids,” said Enciso, who considers himself fortunate to have met Ramon. As a small business owner, he said he is happy to support the cause.
“I made a promise to Manuel after his father passed away . . . that I would help him until I no longer could help,” said Enciso.
Volunteer Larry Gonzales (no relation to Ramon) is equally committed to the cause. He received toys himself many years ago as one of eight children who grew up in South Tucson.
“I was one of the kids who attended his party back in the day, and I found Ramon ten years ago and wanted to volunteer. I know how kids feel when they get those gifts and I don’t want to let any kids down now,” he said.
To assist with donations of toys or monetary contributions, contact Manuel Gonzales at 1-520-389-3228; new, unwrapped toys can also be dropped at the Gonzales home, 2019 W. Ajo Way.
Visit https://www.facebook.com/Ramonsmiracle/ for more information.
