GIFTS HELP TURN DREAMS INTO REALITY.

Byline: Daily News

Angel Navarro was touched when he read the Season of Sharing story of Maria De La Cruz, caring for her children and her grandchildren and cooking for them with a stove that didn't always work.

But he was truly moved by the photograph that accompanied the story and the face of one of De La Cruz's young granddaughters, who lives with nine other family members in a cramped Pacoima house.

``What really got to me was the picture of the little girl,'' said Navarro, a federal public defender. ``It was kind of sad.''

So Navarro bought a new stove for the family, fulfilling the Christmas wish of De La Cruz, who had sought help through the Daily News' annual Season of Sharing project.

``I grew up in East L.A. and thought about these things and said: Why not?'' said Navarro, 33, of South Pasadena. ``I just did it - no second thoughts.''

Cesar De La Cruz, 17, said he was ``big-time thankful'' his mother's wish was fulfilled, especially because it means she'll have a special surprise on her birthday Jan. 5.

``We bought some cake mix to bake her a cake,'' Cesar said. ``You can make a lot of things in the oven. I'm happy that she got it because she really wanted it.''

For the eighth year, readers responded generously to the Season of Sharing project. Through Wednesday, 442 readers had donated $20,692.73 in cash, plus merchandise worth thousands of dollars.

Donations since 1990

About $217,000 has been donated since Season of Sharing was launched in 1990, helping scores of individuals and families profiled in the series, as well as thousands of others served by local charities throughout the San Fernando and surrounding valleys.

``It's gratifying to see that residents still care and can be compassionate in their giving,'' said Barry Smedberg, executive director of the San Fernando Valley Interfaith Council, which administered the project. ``The donors to Season of Sharing have truly made a joyous holiday season for so many in need.''

Screenwriter Jana Howington of Chatsworth was touched by the profile of Philip Seale, who is afflicted with cerebral palsy and cannot speak clearly. After communicating for years using a chipped wooden board imprinted with words and letters, Seale had asked for a laptop computer.

Howington convinced Personal Support Computers of Los Angeles to donate a new laptop, while donations from other readers provided enough money to buy a printer for Seale, a 51-year-old patient at North Valley Convalescent Hospital.

When he was told about the donation, Seale's eyes lit up, said Antoinette Bonner, Seale's instructor.

``That's all he was talking about. He just wanted to talk and talk and talk. He's real excited about it,'' Bonner said.

The Santa Clarita Valley Service Center and the Valley Interfaith Council were flooded with support for Jeff Gregory, a single father from Acton who sought transportation to Houston, where he hopes to undergo experimental treatment for a brain tumor.

The council received a round-trip plane ticket to Houston, then traded it in for train fare because Gregory no longer can fly. Several local doctors also asked to see him; one even offered his services for free.

``It's been great,'' Gregory said. ``The response is unbelievable.''

Response also was strong for Anna Martinez, who is visually impaired and expressed a need for a new stove. Christina Phanstrom of the nonprofit San Fernando Valley Neighborhood Legal Services donated a new range, and three employees of the Southern California Gas Co. - Cathy Maguire, Ron Barbosa and Henry Mulman - delivered and installed the appliance for free.

Maguire also brought a goody bag filled with potholders, cake pans, cooking utensils and chocolates.

`A team effort'

``It was one of those wonderful situations - a team effort,'' Maguire said.

Nate Boinus, 88, and his wife, Mildred, are enjoying a new 25-inch color television, donated by Marty Ruthman, owner of Hi-Tech Custom Harleys in Van Nuys.

Ruthman asked his own wife, Sandy, to forgo a Christmas present for him and get Nate a television set instead.

``My husband was reading the paper and he said, `Here - this is what I want you to do for me for Christmas,' '' Sandy Ruthman said. ``We're glad we could do it.''

Several other readers called the Organization for the Needs of the Elderly, where Boinus is a longtime volunteer, and donated used televisions, which were distributed to other needy residents in the Valley.

``I'm really, really happy that others got TVs too,'' Boinus said.

The spirit of giving also prompted Kathieand John Dilk to deliver bicycles on Christmas Eve to the two young sons of Marta Martinez of Canoga Park. And John Dilk's co-workers at the city's Fleet Services shop in North Hollywood helped pay for the bikes, as well as for helmets for 13-year-old Marcos and 9-year-old Omar.

``The guys down at the shop are terrific, and my husband is a very giving person with a heart of gold,'' Kathie Dilk said. ``When he saw the story in the paper, he said, `Honey, is this OK? Can we buy these kids bikes for Christmas?' ''

In Reseda, some of Jose and Patricia Rodriguez's troubles were eased by clothing for daughter Sonia, 10, and son Edgar, 6, along with beds for the entire family.

About two years ago, 39-year-old Jose suffered a stroke that has left him partially paralyzed and unable to work. Patricia, 32, must stay home to look after her husband and children.

Now the family can rest a little easier - the couple on their new queen-size bed and the children on twin beds of their own.

``I'm very happy,'' Jose said. ``From having nothing, now I have a lot.''

Neil Alverett of Simi Valley also had his wish fulfilled. After being homeless for two years, he got a boost in his efforts to get back on his feet. Readers not only contributed nearly $300 to help him start a carpet-cleaning business, but also called the Samaritan Center in Simi Valley with offers of jobs.

Motorized wheelchair

And Norma Noble, who lives in the Antelope Valley, four miles from a market, will be getting a motorized wheelchair from an anonymous donor.

``I think she is going to be a lot more mobile,'' said Margo Brubaker, caseworker for the Antelope Valley Committee on Aging. ``She's getting a lot of help right now and getting back on her feet.''

Evelyn Loayza, hospitalized as she fights Hodgkin's lymphoma, will be getting a new wardrobe - her first in years - and a haircut courtesy of Daily News readers. And Jose Munetones and his sister, Maria, both of whom are disabled, have received a new refrigerator.

Developmentally disabled and recovering from surgery, Sally Ortiz will receive a six-month sponsorship for Meals on Wheels, a bed frame and a dining table and chairs.

The Meals on Wheels sponsorship was donated by the Valley Interfaith Council, which operates more than 20 community projects, including three senior centers, nutrition programs, homeless projects and food pantries that helped more than 300,000 people last year.

``We have an effort on behalf of so many different people in so many different ways,'' said Ileene Parker, a project manager for the council.

For Ortiz, the generosity of readers was more than she ever expected.

``I'm just grateful and thankful to God because of the blessing,'' Ortiz said.

Donations still are being accepted. Make your check payable to Season of Sharing and mail it to: San Fernando Valley Interfaith Council, 10824 Topanga Canyon Blvd., Chatsworth, CA 91311.

CAPTION(S):

Photo

PHOTO Maria De La Cruz sits near a new stove donated by a Daily News reader who thus granted her son's wish.

Myung J. Chun/Daily News