Pawtucket, R.I. (WPRI) — Joey DeBarros is at it again.
Over the past week, Pawtucket business owners acted as Santa’s helpers, collecting and wrapping nearly 500 presents for families in need in Rhode Island.
“I’ve been wrapping myself up here since Monday,” De Barros said Thursday. “We have 473 gifts to give.”
DeBarros said he has been spreading the Christmas cheer since he first opened his clothing business, Support is Key, in 2018.
“When I started the brand, I always wanted to give back,” says DeBarros. “I’ve been doing this since my first year, and I continue to give back every year.”
DeBarros, also known as “Joey Cash,” said each child will receive two to three toys and also have a chance to meet Santa.
“We’re just here to help the community in whatever way we can,” he added. “[The families are] So grateful and it means a lot to see them go home happy. “
DeBarros hopes his actions will inspire others to give back as well.
“It’s something that a lot of people should be doing, not just me,” he said. “I’ve been doing this for a long time and it’s just a natural thing for me…it’s something I’m not going to stop doing. Support is key. If you can support someone big or small, then go a head.”
Next year, DeBarros said he hopes to collect more than 600 toys.
“I’m going to keep doing that until I leave,” he said. “I’m not going to stop. I’m going to keep giving back to my community.”
DeBarros will give out gifts on December 12th. 18:00 to 4:00 pm at his shop on Pawtucket Avenue.
Johnny Villella contributed to this report.