HOUSTON — In Houston, Pancho Claus has become just as popular as Santa Claus himself in some neighborhoods.
This will be the 42nd year Richard Reyes has put on Pancho Claus’ zoot suit to hand out presents on the streets of Houston.
It started in 1981 when Reyes said he wrote a play called 'Pancho Claus.'
“The Chicano version of 'The Night Before Christmas,' if you will. ‘What to my wandering eye should appear…eight low rider cars dragged down in the rear.’ Lines like that. It got a lot of attention,” Reyes said.
As the persona grew in popularity, Reyes saw an opportunity. He started handing out toys to children in low-income neighborhoods. Now, the whole community is in on it.
Pancho Claus is expected to give out 20,000 toys this Christmas. He’s also expanded the mission to the Rio Grande Valley.
“We can be like Santa, in 100 places at the same time,” said Reyes.
He says one thing motivates him to put on his zoot suit and shades year after year.
“That’s what’s important. The smiles on the faces when they get something for Christmas,” said Reyes.
Pancho Claus said toy and monetary donations are down ten percent. If you'd like to donate, click here.