HOUSTON — We have an update on efforts to help Richard Reyes -- better known as Pancho Claus -- recover from Hurricane Beryl. As we first reported in July, Beryl flooded Reyes' Houston home and uprooted trees that damaged his roof.
Editor's note: The above video originally aired in December 2023.
The 73-year-old has been delivering joy and Christmas gifts to thousands of low-income children for more than four decades but after the hurricane, he was the one who needed help.
“I have a lot to fix and replace. If you would like to help with a couple of bucks it would be very much appreciated,” Reyes posted on Facebook. “I received no salary from Pancho Claus and live on my Social Security.
After we shared the story, GoFundMe donations poured in and Reyes received over $10,000.
"For the many years you have brought endless joy to the children of Houston, please accept my small token of appreciation for your recovery efforts," one donor posted. "Thank you for giving your heart to the children of Houston."
Reyes recently shared a message to thank all of the kindhearted Houstonians who helped.
"Because of your kindness, the roof has been replaced, the debris has been cleared, the trees have been taken away, Rene is working on the fence, the walls have been replaced and painted, and most of the furniture has been replaced.
Almost back to normal. Thank you so very much for your help. I would not have been able to get all of this done without your generosity.
God bless!"
Reyes, who has suffered from health problems in recent years, hopes to have all of the repairs completed in time to prepare for his Pancho Claus duties.
Who is Pancho Claus?
This will be Reyes' 43rd year of putting on the red zoot suit and driving around town in a low-rider to deliver gifts to children. For some, it's the only Christmas gift they receive.
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 us last December.
The story of Pancho Claus inspired him to start a nonprofit that has grown every year since.
Reyes hopes to hand out 20,000 toys again this Christmas.
“That’s what’s important. The smiles on the faces when they get something for Christmas,” Reyes told us.
If you'd like to donate to help buy toys, click here.