Yes, Christmas in July came for the fourth year to Village of Hope! The event is a collection drive to help provide some of the necessities for people in Orange County Rescue Mission programs. And, four years ago I decided to make it an event, because kids love Christmas! It is always a great time for me to spend fun time with the families here, but to also to gather those families with the many people who make a difference in their lives by the support they give to Orange County Rescue Mission.
Peter Brakke of Chik-fil-A in the District once again supported us by taking the lead for the event as the Corporate Sponsor. John Patterson with Tustin Mazda and Tustin Auto Center, Event Sponsors, does a tremendous job of encouraging their employees and customers to donate items, and even held a weekly vacation raffle for those who made a donation. And to the thrill of the kids, Santa’s sleigh, pulled by a Tustin PD truck, rode into the parking lot along with a caravan of autos from the Center. The sleigh and vehicles were filled with the wrapped donations.
Chris Nommensen along with Tustin Boys and Girls Club sponsors the event by coordinating games for all of the kids, including the always fun Snowball Toss (with donated socks, since it is July in Orange County). This year the community support became even greater, as many churches, organizations and corporations joined the fun with booths full of games and craft activities for the kids. And, KKLA radio was there for a live broadcast.
Thank you to Kohl’s, Bank of America, Allen Packaging, Child Creativity Lab, Coast Hills Church, Cummins Pacific, Free Chapel, International Grace Ministries, Mission Viejo Christian Church, Premier Automotive, St. Paul American Coptic Orthodox Church, Sunwest Bank and Target for all that you did to make a Christmas in July for the Village of Hope kids.
Get a better glimpse of Christmas in July by watching this short video.
If you and your group want to become part of the fun, this is just one of many events throughout the year. Contact Kayleigh Roenicke, the Events Manager, at kayleigh.roeinicke@
