Patricia Jimenez often drove along Lincoln Street in Stockton, passing many of the less fortunate in the area near the St. Mary’s Interfaith Dining Room located directly underneath the Highway 4 crosstown freeway.

She talked about wanting to help out even just for one day.

On Dec. 25, 2008, Jimenez stopped talking and finally started doing something about it.

“Christmas is about giving,” she said. “I wanted my girls to know the real meaning of this day.”

Her daughters are Alyssa and Rosie, who were 18 and 12, respectively, at the time. Jimenez wanted them to appreciate what they have for the holidays.

“We would wake up on Christmas to a warm house and open the gifts under the tree. Meanwhile, there are people out there who aren’t as fortunate,” she said.

Not once does Jimenez refer to these folks as “the homeless” but rather “people like you and me.” She even called them her “family.”

This is a “family” that was six years in the making.

Some members of her family, who include eight siblings living nearby, have extended a helping hand over the years, distributing burritos, hot chocolate, and warm sweatshirts and coats.

“My goal is for all eight of us to be out here together, and helping out,” Jimenez said.

During that first year, however, she and her two daughters didn’t know what to expect when they set out to feed those gathered underneath the freeway with 100 homemade burritos.

On top of that, it almost didn’t happen as Jimenez was laid off from work that year. Yet she was able to preserve and go forward with her plans.

In the end, Jimenez, who is currently employed at O’Connor Woods – this is an independent living, assisted living skilled nursing and rehabilitation facility in Stockton – was overwhelmed by the efforts of giving back on this special day.

“My goal was to feed them a good breakfast if just for one day, especially on Christmas,” said Jimenez. “They may not have a family, but I consider them my family.”

Over the years, her spirit of giving has continued to grow. Alyssa and Rosie are still by her side as are Louie (her oldest brother), Norma (sister) and her mother.

Instead of Dec. 25, they’ve began serving breakfast on Christmas Eve.

“We started doing this last year where more people were able to join in and help out,” Jimenez said. “Most would rather save Christmas Day for their family.”

Here, she’s rewarded for her time and effort with a hug, a smile, a simple thanks and even wishes of a Merry Christmas from those who are less fortunate.

“I really can’t describe what this all means to me,” said Jimenez, who did display a sense of accomplishment.

She’s planning to once again feed the hungry and needy with 500 breakfast burritos – a choice of egg, chorizo, or potato – made the day before.  Jimenez and her two grown daughters will make 200 while her mom and sister will make 150 each.

The food distribution which includes hot chocolate, coffee and possibly muffins or brownies will begin at 10 o’clock.

In addition, they’ll have to do so this year with most of the money coming out of their own pockets. Jimenez missed out this year on putting together her annual enchilada dinner fundraiser which usually tallies $800 (all proceeds goes to her Christmas breakfast endeavor).

She also rushed to get her coat drive together. Jimenez was able to collect five bags filled with jackets, sweaters and sweatshirts at this time last year. “We’re always in need of coats for children,” she said.

For Patricia Jimenez, the spirit of giving can smooth out any obstacle along the way. She’s proven that over and over during the years.

Those interested in helping out can do so by emailing patriciaveronica2@yahoo.com.