By JACQI LEYVA-HILL
Special to the PRESS
The Cameron County Constable Precinct 1 Office continued its annual holiday tradition this year with the 5th Annual Toy Drive, bringing Christmas cheer to children and families across the community, including Laguna Heights.
According to Constable Norman Esquivel, more than 500 toys were distributed in Laguna Heights alone. In addition, deputies delivered toys to children at local daycares, churches, and NINOS Head Start locations throughout the precinct. Those deliveries provided another 450 toys, allowing the agency to serve more than 950 children in total.
Esquivel said the effort would not have been possible without broad community support. He credited his family, Precinct 1 staff, friends, and community supporters who donated toys and volunteered time to organize and sort them by age and gender.
He offered special thanks to Precinct 1 deputies and staff, the Merry Martini Mixer Board Members—especially Rebecca Seales and Pedro Casillas—along with Luis Villarreal of Prime Power Services, Albert Vega of Thomae-Garza Funeral Directors, Morris Martinez, Mr. and Mrs. Greg Schomers, and many others who contributed.
“Our main goal was to show the children and families in our community that we care,” Esquivel said. He added that law enforcement’s role is not only to serve and protect, but also to be “present, compassionate, and connected.” He said the toy drive helps humanize the badge, builds trust with youth, and strengthens relationships between law enforcement and the community.
Families in Laguna Heights were notified of the giveaway through Facebook, where the office shared a map of the Santa escort route and designated stop locations. Toys delivered through Head Start programs were distributed using pre-selected lists coordinated in advance with program leadership. The office also visited local daycares and churches to provide toys to families in need.
Esquivel emphasized that safety was the top priority throughout the event. Deputies traveled in marked units with lights and sirens while escorting Santa and the toy-filled trailer. A secure buffer zone was established at each stop to keep children and families safely away from traffic, and no major incidents were reported.
The toy drive has become a yearly tradition for Precinct 1 and is now in its fifth year. Esquivel said he and his team plan to continue the event each Christmas season as long as they are able to serve.
He recalled many meaningful moments, including parents moved to tears when their child received a bicycle they could not afford. “Moments like that remind us why this mission matters,” Esquivel said.
Those wishing to support next year’s drive may coordinate donations by contacting Constable Norman Esquivel at 956-943-6757.
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