Pancho Claus needs your help to make Christmas special for Houston children

The big-hearted Houstonian gave out 17,000 toys in 2022 but he said they're not even close to that goal this year with Christmas only a week away.

HOUSTON — Pancho Claus put out an urgent plea for help on Tuesday as he struggles to come up with enough toys for kids in Houston and the Rio Grande Valley.

The local legend in the red zoot suit, black fedora and shades has been spreading Christmas magic for four decades.

Pancho Claus — aka Richard Reyes — said he gave out 17,000 gifts across H-Town last year and even expanded his mission to the Rio Grande Valley. But this year, things have been tougher than expected.

“1 week until Christmas and we are at less than 10% of what we raised 2 or 3 years ago even though we have increased our year round programming,” Reyes posted on Facebook. “We really need your help this year . Please dig deep into your heart.”

Reyes said they have no corporate sponsors so he depends entirely on donations form the community. He’s set up a GoFundMe for donations or you can drop off toys at the Latino Learning Center between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday – Friday. It’s located at 3522 Polk Street on Houston’s East End.

On Christmas Day, children in the East End will be eagerly awaiting Pancho Claus and his low-riders full of toys that parade through the streets.

“I can just imagine how I’d feel if I didn’t have anything for my grandson on Christmas day,” Reyes told Texas Highways. “We’ve got the parade, our performances, our band, TV appearances—­but the main thing I really get a kick out of is handing a kid their toy.”

The rest of the year, Pancho Claus is a popular guest at community events. He also holds fundraisers through his nonprofit, Pancho Claus Arts.

Pancho claus ice skating at Discovery Green ice skating rink ! https://gofund.me/6059b2f6

Posted by Pancho Claus on Saturday, December 16, 2023