STOCKTON — Hundreds of needy families converged on the Salvation Army facility in downtown Stockton on Saturday for the organization’s annual holiday toy distribution, forming a line that stretched around the block.
Marely Carrillo, 6, smiled as she pushed a brand new bicycle through the parking lot. Carrillo also received a Barbie doll.
“It makes me happy because I never had these toys before,” she said.
Salvation Army staff and volunteers handed out about 1,500 toys and articles of clothing to about 450 families, Salvation Army Capt. Rebeca Sibaja said. Each family also received a food box containing meats, breads, canned goods, pies, cakes and other items, Sibaja said.
Sibaja said the items were donated by community members, businesses and organizations. Some of the donors included Bank of America, PMZ Realtors, Home Depot, the Stockton Thunder, the San Joaquin County Office of Education and Stockton Unified School District.
“I get really touched knowing there are people, no matter how much or how little they have, who have a heart for giving,” Sibaja said. “I really want to thank everyone that supported us this year — the churches, the education departments and the companies, and all the people who provided gifts for these kids. It’s really a blessing.”
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