Volunteers wrap Christmas gifts for GRIC children

January 10, 2016

Christopher Lomahquahu

Gila River Indian News

Gila River Indian Community employees volunteered their time to wrap Christmas gifts that were collected through a toy drive in the month of November and December, which were collected by the Gila River Fire Department.

The Rawhide Saloon and Steakhouse was transformed into Santa’s Workshop on Dec. 14 to get the presents ready for the Tribal Social Services Department to hand out to the children under their supervision and care outside of the Residential Programs for Youth facility.

The cheerful group Santa’s elves made up of caseworkers, firefighters and other spirited volunteers were busy hustling and bustling to get the gifts wrapped in time for Christmas.

A total of 830 items were collected through the GRIC Toy Drive to bring joy to over 309 children this past Christmas.

Armed with scotch tape and wrapping paper, no gift was too big or too difficult to be wrapped.

The GRFD would like to thank the following entities for donating some of the presents: Gila River Sand & Gravel, Gila River Health Care Corporation, Gila River Indian Community Utility Authority, Wild Horse Pass Development Authority, U.S. Marine Corps, Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa, and Gila River Gaming Enterprises.