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A line of eager kids on Saturday had a chance to sit on Santa\u2019s lap and go home with a few toys thanks to the American Legion Post 75 Holiday Candy and Toy Giveaway at the Cortez Cultural Center plaza.<\/p>\n
Mike Colen, adjutant for Post 75, said they\u2019ve been putting on the event for 15 years. Legion members brought about $200 worth of candy, like Reese\u2019s and Snickers, and the Cortez Cultural Center provided a stockpile of stuffed animals, toy trucks, bike helmets and coloring books to hand out.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe just do it for the kids,\u201d Colen said. \u201cPlus it makes us feel good.\u201d<\/p>\n
Sandy Valencia, Cortez Cultural Center program and event coordinator, said the spirit of Christmas means making sure every kid has a chance to visit Santa and grab some toys.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor some with times being hard, this may be the only present they get,\u201d Valencia said.<\/p>\n
Parent Simona Lopez said her daughter received a Minnie Mouse doll and Santa gave her 4-month-old son, Kenai, a small toy fox.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe love the toys,\u201d Lopez said. \u201cThey\u2019re perfect.\u201d<\/p>\n
Kim Pixler, the aunt of 2-year-old Corey Bundy, who went home with a toy truck set, said seeing Santa is great for the kids.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt gives kids the opportunity to see Santa and tell him what they want and it\u2019s all about family too,\u201d Pixler said.<\/p>\n