A Christmas Story…SoCal Style

Below is a story from Karin, our Mission Viejo car mechanic.  She got word of kids in the Inland Empire who were not going to be visited by Santa, and it broke her heart.  SO, she asked the Chamber to help her do something about it.  Here is our Christmas story!

My Dear Friends

Here are pictures of the joy you brought. You have made a difference to the boy who wrote the nasty letter to SANTA, you have touched these children as you can see by their beautiful smiling faces! Files Attached.

I am overwhelmed and my heart is swelling with thankfulness for being able to help them and for knowing you, my many fine friends.

I thank you, my heart thanks you for ALL your help in the short notice of one day. From the generous donations of money, candy, food, toys, even jackets and school supplies from Marianne Dorsey, Bob Schumacher at BMW for the box of donated toys,  to Jason Kennedy fetching those toys, Libby Jason for toys and food, Claudine for storybook candy and Trader Joes for the 60 something bags, to Annie Banani and Annie Nelson redirecting 30 balloon art kits with 30 DVDs for the WHOLE class to watch and do as group! Our own Diana donated a used bike that our team cleaned and lubed! For everyone who gave 1 dollar or more, or a toy, or your time, I thank you! Please forgive me if I neglected to mention you.

I used the money you donated as wisely as I could at the Dollar Tree Store. We raised $250 (in a day) between the Chamber and Neighborhood Car Care. I spent $200 and gave the rest to Jenny thier teacher for cookies or food for the families.

Every girl and boy got a good size teddy bear, 1 Big Toy and lots of smaller toys, footballs, more stuffed animals, jewelry and scarves and gloves from my gift boutique, a deck of cards, candy and chocolate from the 76 Station, and your donations also purchased a bag full of fun art supplies for the class of pom poms, google eyes, pipe cleaners, glue, crayons, markers, colored pencils and more!

The teacher Jenny’s thank you letter is below! As she said in her mail:

                                               God bless you abundantly for blessing these children.

As Scott Doody says:  “I Love Ya, Man!” I do!
A blessed, peaceful healthy holiday and new year to you and yours!

Karin, Keith and Sons
and The Neighborhood Car Care Team
 
 
 
Dear Karin,

Yesterday was the most magical day for my students as they opened the gift bags you gave to them. I wish you could have been there to hear their excitement as they opened the bags filled with toys and goodies. For some, your gifts will be the only Christmas gifts they get this year.

I heard several students say that it felt like Christmas day had arrived. I had tears in my eyes as I stood back and watched them open their bags to find sporting equipment, art supplies, jewelry, candy, electronics, board games, and so much more. They were overwhelmed in the most positive way.

The teddy bears were a hit, and it was so sweet to see both boys and girls hugging their bears and rubbing them against their faces. It was as if the teddy bears were a security blanket for them. Many of these children have baggage that they carry around, yet they put on the bravest face each day.

I thank you from the bottom of my heart for your generosity and for bringing a bit of Christmas into my classroom. Please thank the South Orange County Chamber of Commerce, your employees, BMW, and everyone who played a part in this magical day. Merry Christmas to all, and may God bless you abundantly for blessing my students.

With Love,
Jenny F.

 What a GREAT Christmas Story!!  Do you have your own?  Comment here!