By Susie Huhn

Executive Director

A question I hear often at this time of year is, “How was Christmas at Casa de los Niños?” Well, where should I begin?

 Obviously, I remember the fun, the excitement and the smiles on children’s faces. I remember the tearful thank you’s we heard from grateful moms.  But for me, one of the best things about Christmas is seeing you, the people of Tucson. And feeling the love you share so happily with our children.

 Each year, hundreds of our friends and neighbors stop by with gifts for our kids. You bring toys and clothing, diapers and blankets, knitted hats and home-made cookies.

 How was Christmas at Casa de los Niños? Let me tell you about Christmas Eve. Early that morning, my son Alex and I came to Casa to thank our board members who had volunteered to help us accept last-minute donations.

 Around 10:00 a.m., dozens of motorcyclists roared into our parking lot bearing boxes of toys. They were with the Southside Riders, a club that had sponsored a toy drive for us. Santa was wearing a black bandana!

 Around 11:00, a pickup truck pulled up filled with toys collected by a local stable. Around noon, the Byrne family stopped by on their way to the airport … en route to San Antonio for the Wildcats’ bowl game.  A little while later, a local businessman arrived with Christmas candies he thought might be appreciated by the children in our shelter.

 And so it went, all day long. The kindness of strangers is never more evident than it is during the holidays here in Tucson.

 Clearly, Casa de los Niños holds a special place in the hearts of the community. Deep down, we are aware of that every day of the year. But to see it so clearly at Christmas-time is the one of the things I remember about the holidays.

 To all of you who brought gifts or mailed them to us in envelopes, thank you! Your support is critical to the help we give local families. We couldn’t do it without you, and can’t thank you enough.

 May all of you enjoy a happy, healthy and prosperous new year!