Long Beach residents and many others in Los Angeles County have stepped up to help “Hood Santa” recoup his losses after thieves stole half a truckload of toys meant for children in need.
“They’re taking children’s toys. Shame on you,” Tito Rodriguez, best known in Long Beach as Hood Santa. It’s heartbreaking because we’re just trying to bless kids and do something good for kids. It’s heartbreaking to see that there are people who want to steal from children.”
Rodriguez has a lot of work to do before Saturday’s annual Christmas event at MacArthur Park after half of what he raised for the children’s toy giveaway was stolen. It happened last Sunday outside the Belasco Theater in downtown LA. The thieves broke in and tried to take his U-Haul, which was wrapped like a large gift. Rodriguez’s nonprofit, the Local Hearts Foundation, spent two days at the music festival collecting donated toys. An employee had guarded the van all night to prevent anyone from stealing.
However, the thieves seized the opportunity to steal hundreds of gifts when he stepped away for a moment.
“H went to get coffee and something to eat for 20-30 minutes,” Rodriguez said. “When he came back, he saw the padlock had been cut off. Then he went inside and noticed they were trying to steal the van. When that didn’t work, they came in here, cut the padlock and took a bunch of toys.”
Rodriguez said there is video of the thieves loading the toys into their own truck, but it has not been released.
People who heard about his accident brought things for the children. The Hood Santa is grateful for that, but after 114 years he knows thousands will come this weekend, hoping for Christmas surprises, and right now there isn’t enough to go around.
“People spend the night before to buy toys,” he said. “We know the need is there. Families need a little Christmas cheer.”
Rodriguez has one van full of toys, but he needs to double that before the weekend.
He asks everyone to help his Local Hearts Foundation.
Michel Gile
