HARLINGEN — Guillermo Arias could not hold back his tears after he delivered Christmas presents and turkey dinners to families in need.
Arias, the Valle Vista Mall director of operations, and his staff helped hand out presents yesterday with firefighters.
He could not get over how blessed his own family is compared to the many in need he helped serve.
“It was a great experience,” Arias said, while choking up and holding back tears. “Seeing the kids have happiness in their face brings happiness to my heart.”
One child thanked Arias and the firefighters so much for bringing presents to their home because their mother could not afford to buy them any.
The family didn’t have a Christmas tree in their home, and the children were expecting to pass Christmas without opening any gifts.
The Harlingen Fire Department with the help of Valle Vista Mall was helping children and families with the Harlingen Firefighters Association’s program called “Hearts of Fire.”
“I’m very thankful for our kids,” said Herbert Delgado Jr., a Harlingen resident who accepted gifts from the fire department yesterday. “They (his children) were so excited to find out the fireman were coming to give them presents.”
The “Hearts of Fire” toy drive has become a tradition. It was established in 2001 to help bring joy to families and children in need.
And just the sight of the firemen carrying Santa bags full of presents had the children jumping up and down with glee.
“This year, with the assistance of the Valle Vista Mall we were able to assist 14 families with 56 children,” said Jose Ruedas, a Harlingen Fire Department lieutenant. “That was 14 dinners for the families and each child received two gifts.”
Each family was given a turkey dinner with all the trimmings. Firefighters brought the baskets to them along with the presents.
The children who received the wrapped gifts were selected by the Harlingen Consolidated Independent School District counselors.
“I’m super happy and I was super excited when the firemen came to my house,” said Esteban Ledesma, while holding his gifts in hand. “They are the best, and thank you.”
By The Numbers
• 14 families served
• 56 children
• Each child received two gifts
• Each family received turkey dinner with trimmings
