By: Viva Phoenix / Student Collaborator, Ximena Hernandez
Chicanos Por La Causa (CPLC) is gearing up for its annual Christmas celebration, Ángeles del Barrio, happening this Saturday, December 7, across multiple locations in Arizona. The event brings together volunteers, staff, and community members to spread holiday cheer.
For nearly 56 years, the Phoenix community has cherished this free festival, which offers gifts, food, candy, games, essential supplies, and a visit from Santa Claus—all part of the Ángeles del Barrio tradition.
The event’s success would not be possible without the support of dedicated volunteers. Fran Salomon, a Chicanos Por La Causa board member and a recent retiree from the Phoenix Fire Department, finds fulfillment in contributing to the celebration. “Our mission and vision are very similar—it’s about helping people. Once I completed my service with the fire department and found Chicanos Por La Causa, I gravitated toward it because it allows me to volunteer and continue serving my community,” Salomon shared.
A key motivation for organizing Ángeles del Barrio is to bring joy to children in need. “Many of the kids who come to our sites for Christmas stockings are from low-income households. This event is a way to say thank you and bring a smile to a child’s face—especially one who might not otherwise receive a toy or gift for the holidays,” said Alicia Nuñez, President and CEO of CPLC.
This Saturday, events will take place in Phoenix, Tucson, and Yuma, where more than 6,000 candy boots and hundreds of toys will be distributed to brighten the season for Arizona families.
Date: Saturday, December 7th
Location:
South Mountain Community Center
212 E. Alta Vista Rd.
Phoenix, Az. 85042
