Los Fresnos Children Receive Surprise Visit on Three Kings Day

by Tony Vindell/LFN

Some 100 area youngsters received gifts and other goodies during Three Kings Day.

The celebration takes place on Jan. 6 and it’s a day some cultures have the practice to give children toys, clothes and other things that perhaps they were unable to provide in December.

A group of volunteers with a non-denominational organization called United Ministry for Christ gave shoes, blankets, toys and even school uniforms they bought with money that was donated or acquired throughout the year.

Esmeralda Ibarra said she and her husband and son created the organization to help those who need it the most.

“We have been doing this for the last six years,” she said, “and decided to bring our campaign to Los Fresnos for the first time.”

Ibarra said once a year they take food to feed the homeless at the Good Neighborhood Settlement House in Brownsville.

“We do this because we know there are people out there who are in dire need,” she said. “I came from Mexico and I know how hard life is for many people.”

The event was held at the Los Fresnos Community in Christ church.

Socorro Cortinas Rodriguez brought her son Jose Angel, one of dozens of parents who also brought their children to the giveaway.

“We are grateful for this,” she said. “This is a blessing from the sky.”

She said she came from Harlingen to Los Fresnos more than 20 years ago and called the move one of the best things that happened to them.

“We have been lucky here,” she said. “Our children are getting a good education. This little town has been great for us.”