WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah (ABC4) — The sixth anniversary of Angeles De Utah giving away toys to families in need will look different this year: There will be no “Jugueton” to pass out the presents.
Last year over 600 kids took home gifts at the event, which also had information booths with resources on health, housing, and immigration. A downturn in donations this year and a fear of ICE related raids have made the group decide not to get people together this year.
Angeles De Utah hosts 5th “Jugueton” toy drive for local kids
Monica Acuna, a partner with Angeles De Utah, explained, “People are afraid even to step away from their door, like they’re afraid that they’re not going to come back. So, even though there is a lot of need in the community, and even though they need the help, they’re afraid to get out of their houses because of everything that’s going on.”
Gifts will still be handed out this year, just by delivery.
The problem they’ve run into, though, is they haven’t received nearly the amount of donations of years past. Acuna detailed, “[We get] 20 calls per day. ‘Hey Angeles de Utah, we need help. We need food. We need toys. They’re kicking me out of my house because we haven’t been working.’ And what do you tell them? How do you tell the kids that this Christmas they won’t even have one single present under the tree?”
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They are looking for more donations to come in by December 19 so that they can start delivering this weekend. They can be dropped off at 1602 West 3500 South, Suite 204 in West Valley City. People can also call or text Ana at 385-507-0231 or donate via Venmo @angelesdeutah…