HOUSTON — Richard Reyes -- better known as Pancho Claus -- is facing a major health setback and needs the community's help to continue his holiday tradition.
The 73-year-old has been delivering joy and Christmas gifts to thousands of low-income children in the Houston area for more than four decades. In 2022, he expanded his gift-giving efforts to children in the Rio Grande Valley.
Editor's note: The above video originally aired in December 2023.
Reyes is currently hospitalized after suffering his third heart attack and will be getting surgery on Monday, according to his Facebook.
Because of this operation, Reyes worries he won't meet his goal of distributing 20,000 toys to children. He's hoping the public can step in and help him spread holiday cheer.
Here's how to donate to Pancho Claus' 2024 Christmas project:
- GoFundMe
- CashApp: $PanchoClause
- Zelle: Richard@panchoclaus.com
- PayPal: 713-208-0606
- Mail to:
- Casa Ramirez, 241 W. 19th Street Houston, Texas 77008
- Check payable to: Pancho Claus Arts
Reyes is also in need of volunteers to decorate collection boxes and can call to find businesses, community spots, etc. where the boxes can be placed.
It all started in 1981 when Reyes wrote a play called “Pancho Claus,” the Chicano version of “The Night Before Christmas.”
"‘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 told KHOU 11 News last year.
The story of Pancho Claus inspired him to start a nonprofit that has grown every year since.
In July, Hurricane Beryl flooded Reyes' Houston home and uprooted trees that damaged his roof. Through community donations, Reyes was able to clear debris and replace his roof, walls, fence, and furniture.