Date uploaded: 2021-12-23 12:28:40

The kids were assembling in the parking lot by the time Pancho Claus arrived, a dashing figure standing high in the back of a convertible. In flowing holly-berry-red pads and pleats, gold chains, black shades and fedora, Pancho Claus – whose real name is Richard Reyes – waved holiday greetings as the 1973 Cadillac Coupe de Ville pulled up outside Harris County in Texas' Aldine Branch Library and backfired with a bang. “Feliz Navidad!” he roared. Who had inspired this scene from which arose such a clatter? Pancho Claus, the Santa-like character Reyes has been playing in Houston since 1981, offering toys to low-income, mostly Latino kids for 30-plus years. Tap the link in bio to read the full story. 📸 Callaghan O'Hare for USA TODAY #panchoclaus #houston #feliznavidad