The unemployment rate in Santa Cruz County is very high at approximately 30 percent, but spirits were high as well on Tuesday when the Legislative District 2 Republicans, Arizona Republican Party, and Maxima 99.1 FM partnered with Toys for Tots to deliver toys to the kids of Nogales, and Santa Cruz County.
While LD2 leader, Sergio Arellano, says Republicans work all year to “increase prosperity and opportunities for all,” they know that the holidays are a special time of the year. As a result, they encouraged members of the Republican Party and the community to join them in bringing gifts to over 150 families.
Volunteers included Shelley Kais, a candidate for State Senate LD2, Representative Chris Ackerley (LD2), Ruth Anne Matheson, a candidate for Santa Cruz County Supervisor in District 2, and Mariel Islava Toys for Tots organizer for Santa Cruz County.
Mothers broke out in tears while their children selected their gifts from piles of toys. One mother, striken with cancer, thanked the group for making Christmas possible this year. Volunteers said they received many “God bless yous” and “tons of gratitude.”
Ruth Anne Matheson, who contributed approximately $500 worth of toys stated, “We have such need in our community as we face unemployment, underemployment, and a lack luster economy. The Maxima 99.1 toy giveaway brought the Republican GOP together and our gift was seeing the many children smile as Rep. Ackereley, Shelley Lund Kais, Sergio, and myself handed out the toys.” Matheson concluded, “Thank you, Rebublican GOP for creating memories and relationships.”