It was a busy week for the Soboba Gives Back program as 5,000 toys were distributed in the San Jacinto Valley community. The San Jacinto and Hemet unified school districts benefited from Unstuff the Bus events presented by the Soboba Foundation. Additionally, many local nonprofits, Tribal organizations and other surrounding Tribes were able to receive toys from this year’s toy distribution.
It began on Dec. 8 when more than 20 volunteers gathered at the Soboba Springs Golf Course to unpack the truckload of boxed toys delivered from the Walmart Supercenter in Beaumont.
Sponsorship Coordinator Andrew Vallejos said in April, Soboba Foundation members were trying to find a way to make this year’s toy distribution process easier and the Beaumont store stepped up. “They discounted a lot of nice toys and actually gave us more,” he said. “They have been amazing. They were able to just take everything we wanted and send it to their warehouses, have everything separated and distributed. They made everything very easy.”
This is the first year for the Beaumont store to partner with Soboba. Store Lead Julio Ortiz, who has worked at Walmart for 21 years, said it took 10 associates two days to pull the 5,000 toys to fulfill the order that was broken down by age group and gender. It took about three weeks to coordinate everything before the delivery could be made.
Ortiz said other Walmart employees who were instrumental in making this happen were Store Manager Jessica Lewis and Coaches Daniel Lemus and Geovanny Contreras.
During the week of Dec. 8, a team of volunteers met at the Soboba Springs Golf Course to unpack toys that were purchased in bulk from Beaumont’s Walmart Supercenter. It took three days for the team to sort the toys by age groups and designated recipients so their scheduled pickups could be seamless.
“I’d have to say this year a highlight was the amount of volunteer help we had the first day unboxing the toy shipment from Walmart,” Soboba Foundation Secretary Joseph Placencia said. “Not only was it my usual crew, but the Soboba Fire Department and Soboba Department of Parks and Recreation came by to help out. It was nice to see everyone lending a hand and showing they cared.”
At 5:30 p.m. on Dec. 8, at least 150 community volunteers gathered at the San Jacinto Unified School District to participate in the 12th annual Unstuff the Bus event, presented by the Soboba Foundation. Stefany Curiel is the Family & Community Engagement Specialist at the district’s Parent Center and she explained how the process works. The toys are passed along a human chain that stretches from the parked bus to a warehouse where they stayed until the district hosted their holiday party on Dec. 13 when the toys would be given to those families identified by school site liaisons.
Superintendent David Pyle welcomed everyone and said a few words while awaiting the arrival of the stuffed bus. “I want to give an especially big shout out to our friends from Soboba,” he said. “This event obviously wouldn’t be possible each and every year without them; having their support means so much. This program for our community is just one single reminder about how many ways Soboba gives back to San Jacinto and the whole valley. So, let’s please have a big round of applause for our partners at Soboba. And Happy Holidays to everyone.”
Pyle also noted that each school site shared with their families that the distribution of toys would not have been possible without the support of Soboba. “We are truly grateful for our continued relationship,” he said.
After less than 30 minutes, all 800 toys were sorted and stacked on tables inside the warehouse, and everyone was asked to assemble inside for a group photo.
Soboba Foundation President Andy Silvas acknowledged and thanked all the Soboba Tribal members who were there. “I want to thank all the team members who came out to volunteer to help us give back to the community and to everyone who showed they care for the people of this community. It’s a great event, and I enjoy being here every year.”
Soboba Tribal Council Treasurer and Soboba Foundation Board Member Adona Salgado said, “Attending the toy distribution for the first time was especially meaningful as it coincided with my older sister’s birthday. After celebrating with family and friends, we ended our day by giving back. Witnessing how our Tribe is able to bless others during the holiday season makes my heart happy.”
Early the following morning, Soboba Tribal members and other volunteers were at the Soboba Springs Golf Course once again to meet with selected nonprofits, Tribal organizations and other surrounding Tribes who came by to pick up toys that were allocated for their holiday events.
Haily Perez is a member of the new Aspiring Leaders at Mt. San Jacinto College. She said community service is the goal of the club, and this event was the first opportunity members had to participate. Soboba’s Tara Placencia and several of her family members are steadfast volunteers at many Tribal events and this year was no exception. She said the previous day was the hardest part, having to unpack all the boxes. “Today is fun, seeing all the groups come by to pick up the toys that are being donated to them for the holidays,” Placencia said.
Tribal member Josh Lala stayed busy loading vehicles with toys. He also supports the Kids of Anza nonprofit who received 100 toys for their Dec. 20 party. Executive Director Russell Kitchen said the rural population benefits from the organization’s car shows, food drives, a Valentine’s Day dance, plus Christmas and Easter parties held at different venues in the community. They also sponsor sports and scholarships for the youth. “I like to help out when I can,” Lala said.
The evening of Dec. 10 was when a Soboba bus filled with 1,000 toys arrived at Tahquitz High School to be emptied out by a dedicated team of volunteers. Many students, as well as Hemet Police Department officers and Explorers also pitched in.
HUSD Superintendent Christi Barrett said, “The generosity of the Soboba Foundation makes Unstuff the Bus such a powerful demonstration of our community’s commitment to students. Their support ensures that Hemet Unified students experience the joy of the season through thoughtful gifts and heartfelt generosity. I’m deeply grateful to our partners, families, and especially our students who participate with such energy and heart.”
Miriam Ortiz, Coordinator for the district’s School, Family & Community Partnerships, said most of the toys would be given out at the Christmas Party to be held at Tahquitz High School on Dec. 13 while others were going to the Wellness & Community Outreach Center for its holiday event. Ortiz likes seeing and hearing the families who are so grateful for Soboba’s generosity. She finds these words of gratitude to be powerful, showing the impact this event has on the community. She shared a few comments received after last year’s event. “Thank you so much for supporting my boys. We appreciate you so much.” “We’ve had a very rough year, and you are giving us a much-needed miracle!!” “Thank you for helping me this Christmas, it is truly a blessing. I promise to pay it forward.”
Soboba Foundation Treasurer Dondi Silvas eagerly helped at both district events, riding on the bus and being one of the first in a long line of bucket, or rather toy, brigade participants.
“Being part of the Tribe’s outreach—particularly during the holidays—reminds us how powerful compassion and community can be,” Silvas said. “I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity to support these efforts and to help share the spirit of giving that defines our Tribe.”
Vallejos said all events were a lot of fun for those involved and that the buses were unstuffed in record time at both district locations. “Everything has been smooth. You can’t say much more about this except it was perfect,” he said. “It warms my heart to see so many people come out to support this Soboba Gives Back event that provides such a positive impact on the kids in these communities.”
Joseph Placencia said, “For me this event is about knowing that children who might have been going without are going to have a present to open on Christmas.”
