 Santa giving out hugs and gifts to children at the Wildcat Inn Holiday Party.
When Santa appeared halfway through the Wildcat Inn’s Holiday Party last Saturday, dozens of children screamed and ran to greet him, children who as recently as a week before were living on the street. Happy parents and other residents visiting from the City’s Amazon Motel smiled as Santa organized the riot of kids by marching them around the Inn’s parking lot. Staff from Tucson’s Housing First program helped keep an orderly line as each child received a gift bag and stocking full of holiday goodies.
 Residents celebrating and eating under the ramada at the Wildcat Inn.
 Ward 3 Council Aid Marlene Avelino handing out a Native Seeds packets and potting soil.
 Housing First Program Director Brandi Champion, Assistant City Manager Liz Morales, and Community Services Manager Allison Chappell.
Thanks to all of Santa’s many helpers who contributed and made the Holiday Party a huge success. We distributed hundreds of toys and holiday goodies that kind folks donated to Ward 3 effort. Erin Durband, in memory of her husband Donovan brought in three big bags of gifts. Noah Gariepy, a Care Coordinator with Community Safety Health and Wellness raised funds with his partner Emilio Galindo at their fundraiser supported by Queer AF and dropped off toys as well. One anonymous donor generously gave $1,000. There was a table full of free new books thanks to support from two locally owned Ward 3 gems; Fantasy Comics and Heroes and Villains. Every room at the Wildcat Inn and Amazon Motel received a beautiful holiday Poinsettia plant from Green Things. We also handed out flower seeds from Native Seeds/SEARCH with a pot and soil for planting.
 WIldcat Inn resident, Yudith holding her new poinsettia.
 Two Wildcat Inn Residents, Darlene and Kathy with their Native Seeds plant and poinsettia.
A special shout out to the former residents of the Wildcat who came back to volunteer and attend the party.
 Ward 3 Council Aid Marlene Avelino, Vice Mayor Kevin Dahl and Ward 3 Chief of Staff Katie Bolger handing out graphic novels and comic books to kids at the Wildcat Inn.
 Erin Durband and Shannon Jenkins with three bags of donated gifts for the Wildcat Inn.
 Ward 3 Chief of Staff Katie Bolger, Ward 3 Council Aid Marlene Avelino, and Care Coordinator with Community Safety Health and Wellness Noah Gariepy prep gifts to take to the Wildcat Inn.
Holidays are times for families and children to share some joy and love. Thanks Santa, and your many helpers, for bringing a little joy to folks experiencing such trauma and transition.
 From left to right and top to bottom: Santa and the Ward 3 Team, another hug from Santa to grateful little boy, Santa waves at several children at the Wildcat Inn, Interim Director of Housing & Community Development Ann Cheneka and Assistant City Manager Liz Morales, and Community Services Manager Allison Chappell serving food to residents.
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