The Mission Viejo, Saddleback Valley Elks had their 5th annual Christmas Decorating Party at the Orange County Rescue Mission House of Hope for single women with children. There are 20 ladies and 19 children at the facility this year. When the Elks Helpers arrived, they were there in time for pizza with the families. After filling their bellies, the visitors helped the little ones – and some of the bigger ones – hang the ornaments on the 14-foot tall tree. Derek Randles PER and Michael Long PER held the ladders while the kids made it a contest to see who could go the highest on the ladder and get to the very top of the tree.
Elks volunteers at House of Hope front row L to R: Vick Long, Jamie Camunas, and Orange member Stacy Emery. Seated L to R: Mike Long, Laura Lumley, Pam Mackey, Ed Mackey, Derek Randles, and Dennis Lumley
Leading Knight Jamie Camunas and Chaplain Cindy Wooten helped the kids pick out the right ornament for the tree decorating. Dennis Lumley took the pictures of the event and families while Laura Lumley, Vicky Long, and Orange Elk Stacy Emery printed all of the pictures and put them into Christmas frames to provide them to the families. During the tree decorating, strange noises were heard on the roof. Derek and Stacy ran in with the exciting news that SANTA had arrived. Elks member Pamela Mackey and her husband Ed provided the Santa and Mrs. Claus holiday cheer all while the children followed Santa around the house asking very interesting questions. Followed by many hugs, the Claus’s sat down to listen to every child and provide each with one toy or fun item that night.
The evening wrapped up with the Elks volunteers finishing the printing of all of the pictures. Stephanie Bongartz and Derek Randles PER started this program five years ago assisting these families with help during the holidays. The Elks will return prior to Christmas to provide a 5-foot tall stocking to every mother and child. The huge stockings will include both gifts and gas/food gift cards that are also needed for necessities. The Mission Viejo Elks Charitable Committee in conjunction with the Elks National Foundation (ENF) Gratitude Grant provided the funding for this event.
By Derek Randles PER
Photo Credit: Mission Viejo, Saddleback Valley Elks
Andy Costello
Grand Lodge Area 7
Membership & Marketing Committeeman
