There is no official Santa Claus in Mexico, but Mesa College Professor Jeff Berry makes one think otherwise. Each year he packs his sled to the brim with toys for less fortunate children and makes a 200-mile journey across the border.

The trip takes about five hours with Ensenada being the half way point. Winding mountain roads past the Baja beach town make the second half of the trip more difficult. In the past Berry has dealt with automotive failures along the way, but he remains dedicated to the small village despite these hassles.

It all started with Berry’s church in El Cajon that has connections to Trece de Mayo, a neighborhood of Vicente Guerrero, Mexico. The Spanish professor first made the missionary trip three years ago as an interpreter and was inspired to return on his own with holiday gifts despite the country’s escalating gang violence.

He insists his is not a “dump and run” ministry. Berry has developed relationships by communicating year round with people stationed in the village. While the community has welcomed him with open arms, guards stationed at the border tend to be less grateful. Patrollers are usually wary of Berry’s large, concealed shipments.

“[One time] the border guard just gave me this look like he didn’t know what was going on, but he passed me through. I had a truck packed above the cab level with stuff,” said Berry.

Despite his good fortune on that trip, Berry knows that getting into Mexico with American goods can be difficult, sometimes impossible. It is now illegal to bring used clothing into Mexico due to visitors hurting the economy by selling garments at lower prices than the local stores.

“Now we’re looking for an official permit so we don’t have future problems getting through,” said Berry.

Berry’s journey this year will include a visit to a migrant labor camp – the biggest group of recipients he’s had so far. He is concerned about the children living in this area who are left on their own as their parents work in the fields. On this trip he wants to provide less fortunate children with more than just toys.

“We decided we want to do more than just give toys to the kids. Because there’s such a need down there we’re making pillow case bags. [with] combs, brushes, hats, gloves. all those home necessities,” said Berry.

His generosity has even inspired several students to go with him in the past. The honors program on campus has talked about establishing donation boxes that will allow students and faculty to contribute to his mission. Those wishing to get involved with the charity may contact Professor Jeff Berry at jberry@sdccd.edu.