Pancho Claus is back after two heart attacks

For the first time since suffering two heart attacks over the summer, Pancho Claus is speaking out about what he went through and how he plans on helping kids this Christmas.

Richard Reyes, who’s been known as Pancho Claus for decades, says he had a stent put in his heart at Memorial Hermann over the summer and has been recovering since.

Now he says he’s ready to hand out toys again this Christmas season and even has about 50 events planned for the next 35 days or so.

“I’m doing 100 percent and you know I’ve had a lot of support from the community and I’m feeling really good. I’m really excited about about doing Pancho Claus this year, especially this year,” says Richard Reyes.

Pancho Claus says they really need folks to donate gifts for kids of all ages, including teenagers who like to receive gift cards to fast food restaurants and movie theaters.