We were invited by George, of Hotel California fame, to attend the Christmas party at Chula Vista school this morning and we two grinches were finally pushed into the Christmas spirit by the marvellous party put on by Bob Howell and Vicki Flores and their band of dedicated volunteers. Facts may not be entirely accurate, but it's our understanding that Bob (whom everyone was pleased to see preside over the event) and Vicki have been hosting these parties for about six years now, with the inimitable Danny Milski doing an amazing impression of the jolly red guy for about four of those years. (It was the red croc sandals that really reminded us we were in warm climes.)
Every year they select a different school to share their gifts and food with, and this year it was Chula Vista. Twenty five to thirty volunteers helped give goody bags of toys and candies to about seventy or eighty children, whose families also had bags of donated clothes, eyeglasses and school items available to them. Most items had been bought and delivered from north of the border, and each child received either hot wheels type cars, small toys or refurbished Barbie dolls whose costumes had been lovingly crocheted by Geri Demoss and Dawn Blevings. These ladies had worked for over six months acquiring, cleaning, restoring and clothing over three hundred Barbies for the party and for Vicki to hand out as needed over the next year. Enough cannot be said about the dedication that takes.
The excitement on the kiddies faces was amazing, as they tried as patiently as possible to wait their turn to visit with Santa. In the background was the smell of burgers and the hum of activity as Santa - hatted folks got the lunches ready for all the guests.
A very pleasant addition to the festivities was a performance of Folkloric dancing, presented by the Calle Folklorica dancers of La Peñita, and the singing of a very talented young man from Compostela, Juan Pablo.
Ken and I were delighted to have been witness to this celebration, and I would like to suggest to anyone who can in any way help out in future years, that you will never feel so good about anything as you do when seeing children celebrate a Christmas they otherwise might not have.
Never can enough be said about the time, money and effort put in by the people who make this happen. From those who donated a few items, to those who spent their days cleaning, wrapping, cooking, scouting and organising, it would not have happened if it weren't for those kind hearted individuals who only want a look on a small child's face as thanks. We thank you

.