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Happy Holidays 2006

For pair, playing Santa feels so good

By LOGAN NEILL
Published December 20, 2006

Rico Torres' 1978 Jeep Cherokee was laden with loot as he set out Monday morning from his Bayonet Point home.

His destination: the Good Samaritan Mission in eastern Hillsborough, where he and his wife, Carmen, planned to deliver some hope and good cheer to kids whose lives tend to run a little short of both this time of year.

It is the Torreses' wish that the offering of new toys and clothing will bring bright smiles to the faces of children they have never met. "You always wish you could do more," Torres said as he waited for his wife to load the last of the boxes packed with new Barbie dolls, toy trucks and games. "It never seems like it's enough."

For the past few years, the Torreses have helped organize the Latin American Civic and Cultural Association of Spring Hill's annual Christmas toy and clothing drive. Each year, the 180 or so club members are asked to go out and buy new toys and clothing items that will be distributed to the children of about 2,000 area farm workers.

The club members always pull through, said Dora Cruz, who along with her husband, Bill, operate the mission in Hillsborough County that has helped to feed and clothe farm workers for nearly three decades.

"It's always a great blessing when they come with the toys," Cruz said. "It will allow the children to feel special at Christmas."

On Thursday and Friday, the children will be able to come to the mission's warehouse in Balm to choose the toy of their choice.

Though they won't be there to see it, Rico and Carmen Torres say the simple joy of giving is enough to brighten the holiday for their club members. "It always makes my Christmas," Rico Torres said. "I love playing Santa Claus."

Logan Neill can be reached at lneill@sptimes.com or 352 848-1435.

[Last modified December 20, 2006, 02:44:28]