Helping hands at Christmastime

Manny and Delia Guajardo hoped to assist 100 children with sweet deals on toys and clothes during the Christmas for Children Drive at their store, Sophia’s Thrift Store and Clothing Bank in Kasson.
“It’s not going to happen,” Manny said.
That’s because the number jumped to nearly 140 kids. And Manny expects it will hit 200.
Families are referred to the Guajardos by several local organizations, including Dodge County, the Kasson-Mantorville school district, the Semcac Head Start child care center in Kasson, and the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program. 
And the hosts are glad to help, as always. Manny and Del have been collecting toys for almost a year.
“If I had a job that paid me a million dollars a year, I don’t think I’d be as happy as I am now,” Manny said, surrounded by hundreds of items: clothes, dolls, toys, books, decorations, knick-knacks and appliances. 
“It’s been a lot of work, but it’s been fun,” Delia said, “because the families are actually getting what they want for Christmas.”
Many people in need are given Christmas toys and winter coats, clothing, boots and such.
One little boy gazed longingly at a toy and headed back up toward the front of the store.
“Go get me that toy you were looking at,” Manny told him. “You know, I don’t think I can get rid of it. Take it home.”
Donations are coming from families, individuals, and organizations including PetSmart, which provided stuffed animals. In turn, the Guajardos donated teddy bears to the Kasson Police Department.
“The community has been very good to us,” Manny said. “They’ve been very responsive. And not just Kasson, but surrounding communities.”
He and Del also help out at Hosanna’s Pantry, a monthly satellite food shelf of Channel One in Rochester, at Hosanna Lutheran Church in Rochester.
A Christmas card autographed by little ones at Head Start is all the thanks they need. 
It reads: “Thank you for your generosity.”
“This is our payment. This is how we get paid,” Manny said. “That makes me want to work all night.”
Donations are needed for youths ages 14-17, who could use gift cards, music, and other teen necessities.
Sophia’s Closet – named for the Guajardo’s granddaughter – is in the former Kasson Public Library building at 16 1st Ave. NW.
The store is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. It will be open until 10 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 22 and Saturday, Dec. 23.
Call 507-271-4021 or see the Sophia Thrift Store Facebook site for more information.