RV park tenants help needy families for holidays

The tenants at Villa Alameda RV Park were able to provide a merry Christmas to three underprivileged families this holiday season.

The 300 tenants pulled together to raise about $1,200 which was spent to buy baby supplies, toys for the children and gifts for the parents. The tenants also provided each family with food, including 20-pound turkeys so they would have plenty to eat during the holidays.

“Every year at Villa Alameda we take up collections from the residents to purchase gifts for the needy families we adopt at Christmas,” said Tom Bennett, an activity director for the RV park.

“This year we have adopted three families. We purchase items the families need and actual presents that the children have asked for. We also collected enough money to buy clothes for the parents. Just about everybody in the park has put up money.”

The tenants were greatly moved by the experience, Bennett said.

“When we brought this out to the families, there wasn't a dry eye among the people that went out there. The feeling that it gives us to be able to do something for somebody, it is just overwhelming. It brings tears to my eyes, and I am 65 years old. It makes me feel good that we have made a Christmas for a family and given them food to last a while.”

The tenants of the park also collected teddy bears, which were donated to the Yuma Police Department to be given to the children of those who have contact with the police.

“This is usually a reassurance that the police are not a bad factor to be afraid of,” Bennett said.

“Last year we gave the police department 160 bears, and this year we have over 200 to give them.”

The tenants also donated $200 to Amberly's Place.