Nov 30, 2005 11:59 am US/Central
Group Collects Toys For Immigrant Children
by Rick Fuentes
St. Paul (WCCO) ―
Toys for Tots helps children who might not get a gift under their tree, but not all children are that lucky, because you have to have a Social Security number to get a toy.
Angelica Kiel is balancing what her children want versus what the family can afford. Like many other patients at La Clinica in St. Paul, they don't have the money to afford Christmas presents.
There are a lot of social service agencies parents can go to for help, but they require Social Security numbers, which is something most people at La Clinica don't have.
"You know, immigration issues, because when they don't have a Social Security number, they cannot get the toys for tots," said Julissa Rios with West Side Community Health Services.
Workers at West Side wanted to help the children, so they started their own toy giveaway.
At the last party, parents brought more than 400 children, and this year, workers expect more.
It is not just undocumented workers who lack Social Security numbers. Immigrants can wait as long as 10 years to get one.
Toy donations are being accepted at West Side, which is located at 153 Cesar Chavez St. in St. Paul.
The group will also pick up your toys. To arrange a pickup, call 651-602-7598. The group is especially in need of toys for children ages eight to 15.
(© MMV, CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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