The Mixteca Toy Drive captures the spirit of the holidays by giving Christmas to children who have never truly experienced it.

All through November, Christmas presents have been piling up at Ventura College; in classrooms K-1 and K-3, as well as in the office of Professor Mayo de la Rocha. Collection of these gifts was in preparation for the Mixteca Christmas, held on Dec. 5.

“I love doing it,” said de la Rocha. “I have done it for six years in a row. It’s just about the best thing I do all year.”

According to de la Rocha, there are 20,000 native Mixtecas, Mexicans from the state of Oaxaca, living and working in Ventura County. Many come from an area where they have never before experienced Christmas, and many have no idea who Santa Claus is.

Ventura College students have been getting the word out and bringing in presents for the Mixteca children in Ventura County. The Christmas Fiesta for the Mixtecas took place at the Heritage School in Oxnard. There was enough donated food to feed 200 families and presents were given to 1,000 children, aged 13 and younger.

De la Rocha is among the many involved with the Mixteco/Indigena Community Organizing Project, an organization set up to serve the Mixtecas and help them with housing and healthcare.

“It’s a beautiful project,” said de la Rocha. “You can’t beat it. This is what it’s all about. I have a good feeling knowing I am doing something that is good.”