Migrant children in Mexicali want for Christmas

No matter the age or where on the planet they're from, many children are anticipating the arrival of Christmas

MEXICALI, B.C. (KYMA, KECY) - These children are ready for Christmas and hope to fill out these trees with presents, but their hope and dream is to get together with their families across the border.

Children from the Covina migrant shelter in Mexicali are making their lists and asking Santa this year for toys, clothing, and shoes.

The unspoken wish is to have a better life with their families across the border.

The director of the shelter says every Christmas she tries to make the children feel loved and cherished.

“How are they going to feel... the sadness of them not being with their parents at their home... It's hard for them... but I try to make them feel far away from their families,” said Altagracia Tamayo, Director of Covina Migrant shelter.

Altagracia Tamayo told us how she is making these children feel at home.

"Right now I am trying to get piñatas candy because I want them to break a piñata tomorrow and get candy," said Altagracia Tamayo. "People have donated food so we get to make pozole."

The children were so excited to tell me what they want for Christmas this year

"I like the United States because there are small motorcycle and you can ride them and also small cars that you can ride and that is what I love from the United States."

"I would love to play snowballs in the snow in the United States," said a migrant child.

"I would love to be a singer and start my career… I love to sing… I have already started practicing," said Leslie, a migrant child.

In total there are 140 migrant children in this shelter and they all want to wish everyone a Merry Christmas.