More than 1,000 people are expected Tuesday morning to enjoy a free Christmas Eve Breakfast at Phil Waterford’s Manteca Ford.

The 12th annual event will take place Monday, Dec. 24, from 8 to 11 a.m. at the dealership at 555 N. Main St.

While Waterford and his small army of volunteers will be able to make sure those attending will be able to enjoy a hot breakfast, they may not be able to have enough toys as they have in the past to make sure every kid under 12 years leaves with a present with Santa.

A family loss has taken time away that Waterford normally spends asking for toys for the event with the passing of his wife’s mother. Waterford and his family have been flying back and forth to South Texas where his mother-in-law’s services are this weekend.

“We have just a handful of toys that were donated this year and could really use the help of our community,” Waterford said.

In the past every child 12 and under has received an age appropriate toy, a chance to meet Santa, and a meal.  They have also collaborating with the Second Harvest Food Bank this year. Every family will receive a bag of groceries and fresh fruit.  The goal is to help bridge the gap for struggling families between Christmas and New Year’s.

“Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year, except for some people,” Waterford said in preparing for the 2018 breakfast. “You see we all take so many things for granted in life, especially around the holidays. I say that because many kids tend to be upset, as they did not get the right color iPhone. There are kids that may not even get Christmas presents because their parents have to buy important essentials, such as, food . . .  So many families wish that they could give their kids a good Christmas, but sometimes they just can't. Just imagine how hard it is to explain to a kid that Santa may not be able to give much this year, as parents may have been laid off or do not have the financial resources for gifts or extras. I encourage everyone to take some time and give what you can this holiday season.”

Assisting with the event are Inter City Action, the Manteca Rotary Club, Foster Farms, Crystal Diary, Oak Valley Community Bank, the Manteca Bowling Association, and the Second Harvest Food Bank.

You can drop toys by the showroom during normal business hours.

The event has served more than 12,000 free breakfasts since its inception.

For more information call 209-239-3561 or email tina@mantecaford.net.

To contact Dennis Wyatt, email dwyatt@mantecabulletin.com