For more than a half century, Miracle on 31st Street has been bringing holiday joy to the world for children in South Tucson. This year, supporters of the event need extra help; donations of toys number less than 100.
“This is our 55th year and I am happy to do this, but I am kind of scared because we are lacking in toys. It could be the economic uncertainty; it is hard to say what is going on,” said Manuel Gonzales, who has continued to spearhead the holiday party after the passing of his father, founder of the event.
The late Ramon Gonzales grew the event from a small backyard barbecue into a celebration for 10,000 children annually at locations such as the Tucson Rodeo Grounds and Casino Del Sol. It will be held again this year from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 21 at Kennedy Park Fiesta Area, 3357 S. La Cholla Blvd.
The event has also become renowned for Ramon’s Miracle on 31st Street Caravan Cruise, a parade of cars and motorcycles that escorts Santa through South Tucson to culminate in the annual party, which offers food, entertainment and toys for children and families. Families can also enjoy the show and shine from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.; participants in the caravan are asked to donate a new, unwrapped toy.
“We do this to honor my dad and to help out the community and the kids who are really in need. Last year, parents were saying, ‘Thanks for the help.’ Lots of them didn’t have anything to give their kids,” Manuel said.
He credits businesses — including Papa John’s, which is offering a Nifty 50 fundraiser card to benefit the event and MOD Pizza, which offers a BOGO coupon for every toy donation — and countless individuals in the community for their generosity. He said they exemplify the goodness of the people in South Tucson.
“We appreciate their dedication to the community. People like Bob Kolbert have given 20 years of service to Ramon’s Miracle on 31st Street to help kids here in Tucson. Bob has paid for our website and handled it for all of these years and not once asked for anything. We are truly grateful,” Manuel said.
Go to https://www.facebook.com/Ramonsmiracle for more information.
