A family gives back to those in need in Sacramento, California; they have been doing this charity work for over 50 years.
On a Sunday afternoon, Evelyn Cruz and her family and relatives distributed gifts to North Sacramento's children and families. They spent the night giving warm blankets and clothes to their homeless community.
The family told ABC10 that this is something they do every Christmas holiday, a way for the entire family to make a difference.
Throughout the year, they would gather and use their own money and resources to prepare for the giving and get supplies.
Record high increase of homeless people in Sacramento
Sacramento's homeless population soared to 9,300 over the past three years, the highest total on record, according to the 2022 Homeless Point-In-Time Count.
The survey found an additional 5,500 homeless people in the region. A 67 percent increase, which is said to coincide with "a housing affordability crisis" that has worsened for the past three years, Cap Radio reported.
In response to the new alarming numbers, Mayor Darrell Steinberg declared that life has indeed become "unaffordable" for many families due to the high cost of living, particularly rent and housing, which are much higher compared to other parts of California.
Thus, what Cruz and her family do is a great help. Though they cannot provide these homeless people a shelter to live in, at least they have the hearts to reach out and act upon their generosity and kindness.
It won't hurt to give back
Cruz said that what they are doing has been "instilled in her as a kid." It started when she was little, and her mom, who worked at a community center at Stanford Settlement, saw the need.
She is already sharing their blessings with her son, granddaughter, nieces, and friends.
"We were just raised that way, to give. I think we've all been blessed enough to have more than what we've needed at times and it doesn't hurt to give back," declared Renie Alarcon, Cruz's niece.
Cruz's other niece, Kathy Ruiz, shared that they started as a small group. Now, there are already 75 to 100 people a night giving warm socks and shoes.
As temperatures lowered into the mid-30s last Sunday night, the family went to a homeless encampment in Sacramento to distribute beanies, socks, shoes, and hot chocolates.
They also gave out food, hygiene items, dog clothes, and treats.
Ruiz expressed how important this family tradition is to them, and they will continue to do it again and again "because the need is everyday, not just Christmas."
