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“This helped a lot,” said Angelica Garcia, who was at the event with her four children. “My husband figured we needed it.”

Garcia’s husband is jailed on a probation violation, and she and her 4- to 12-year-old children are homeless. They are living in a cheap motel, but have to be out by Dec. 25 – Christmas Day. There’s no money left for presents, so the family was pleasantly surprised when Garcia’s husband called from jail and told them about the party.

“He was very happy to get his kids presents,” she said as her son ran up to her with a stuffed dragon.

“They’re just giving these away,” he said, surprised.

The jail on Saturday hosted the 27th annual party at the Raymond G. Sanchez Community Center in the North Valley. About 1,000 children received around 1,500 toys. The jail has about 1,000 leftover presents that it will give to Carrie Tingley Hospital, Maya’s Place, Joy Junction and the Children’s Cancer Fund of New Mexico, said Nataura Powdrell, a jail spokeswoman. People funded the event with donations.

The line to sit on Santa’s lap and get a picture with him was long. Tables to craft Christmas cards for parents on the inside were busy. Boys tossed around footballs, and girls squeezed stuffed animals tight.

Adrian Jaramillo was very thankful for all of his presents.

“Thank you for having this for the kids,” the 6-year-old said. “I’m very thankful for what I got.”

Manuel Jaramillo, Adrian’s grandfather, said the family is hoping Adrian’s father can get his life back on track when he is released.

“It’s hard on the holidays. We want him to get better so he can get on with his life,” Manuel said.

Rudy Aragon brought his niece and nephew to the party, but he said he benefited from it, too. Aragon has spent time in jail recently, and he is currently part of the jail’s Community Custody Program, which is a form of house-arrest where defendants wear ankle monitors and comply with conditions of release. Aragon helped organize the party on Friday.

“It gives me a design for living,” he said, explaining that events such as the Christmas party help him with his sobriety. “I’m grateful … because a year ago this wouldn’t have been possible.”

Barbara Sundby was at the party with her 5-year-old granddaughter, Neveah. Neveah’s father died before she was born and her mother, who has been in and out of jail most of her life, is set to be released Dec. 30. Sundby is leaving the tree up, and they plan to celebrate Christmas then.

Sundby said the event was learning experience for Neveah. She made sure her granddaughter knew it was the detention center guards and jail officials who were hosting the party.

“Because of her mom, she’s real insecure. She’s afraid grandma is going to get arrested,” Sundby said. “I think this helps … I want her to know that when people get in trouble it’s their own fault.”