Richard Reyes, known to the people of Houston as Pancho Claus, has hit his 73rd year bringing holiday cheer to children with a serious heart condition. Now suffering his third heart attack, he keeps his focus on fulfilling a promise to distribute 20,000 toys this Christmas season, according to Click2Houston.
While wearing his characteristic red zoot suit and high spirits in the Memorial Herman hospital, Reyes expressed his steadfast dedication to his charitable work and appeals to the Houston community to step up in support of the Pancho Claus tradition, his fundraising efforts starting with a concerning $90 raised in the first week was mentioned in a recent Facebook post, GoFundMe, among other payment avenues, being available for those willing to donate.
Limited by his current health, which includes battling high blood pressure, low blood sugar, and a rapid heart rate, Reyes remains in the hospital with surgery scheduled for tomorrow, he uses this moment of vulnerability to pass on the reins of his Christmas mission to his community, according to a KHOU 11 News report.
"This is my third heart attack, so I'm kind of used to the symptoms, I knew what it was," Reyes told KHOU 11 News, acknowledging his mortality and the reality of his situation, but nonetheless, he is undeterred in his efforts to bring joy—he calls upon volunteers and emphasizes that the collective community is truly Pancho Claus.
Donation options to support Reyes' cause include the GoFundMe Campaign, Cash App at $panchoclause, Zelle at [email protected], PayPal to 7132080606, and mailing checks made payable to 'Pancho Claus Arts' at Casa Ramirez, 241 West 19th St., Houston, Texas 77008.
