Every year, the Village of Hope becomes a winter wonderland for one magical day! Our Magic at the Mission event is a day when the Orange County community comes together to create a day of Christmas magic, highlighting the glory of Jesus Christ. It is a special day unlike any other! I look forward to it every year, knowing the joy and excitement it will bring.
I am so thankful for the partnership of the incredible individuals, groups, and companies that make this amazing event possible.
Linda Rose and Mark Parkinson are the volunteer Event Chairs that inspired Magic at the Mission nine years ago. It is because of their leadership, creativity and hard work that we have this special event each year. I appreciate you Linda Rose and Mark!
OC Auto Center and its President John Patterson for organizing a community toy drive. And thank you to Tustin Buick GMC for hosting and organizing the “caravan of toys” from OC Auto Center to Village of Hope. It is a sight to see the long line of cars and motorcycles, piled with toys for homeless children. Heading up the caravan are none other than Santa and Mrs. Claus, played by our very own Laurel House house parent team, Donna and Steve Giddings, on their “sleigh”.
The main attraction is always the snow! The Village of Hope was transformed into a Christmas wonderland complete with snow hills for sledding!
Another one of my favorite parts of this event is the Mission Bible Church worship team, who use their incredible talents to bless us with live music. In addition to the fun of gift “shopping” for donated gifts and the snow hills, a photo booth was provided by Heart of God OC and The Feeding Frenzy Food Truck offered funnel cakes to add to the fun. And of course, Subway provided a delicious lunch for everyone!
I would like to say a huge thank you to the volunteers that arrived bright and early to put on this special event for the Rescue Mission children and families. Special thanks are in order for University of Dayton Alumni Community of Orange County, Canvas Church, La Puerta Abierta Church, Hana Church, and National Charity League Rancho Irvine!
It is amazing to see not only the blessing that this event is to our residents, but also to the volunteers. Volunteers are able to witness a joy unlike any other that crosses a child’s face as they play in snow, for perhaps the first time, on a sunny day in Southern California. And there is so much excitement as kids pick gifts for their parents, and learn the blessing of giving rather than receiving. The volunteers are reminded of how powerful and transforming it is for parents to be able to choose gifts for their children at Christmas time, parents that are on their journey back to being the providers for their families.
And we could not have a toy and gift shop without all of the donations. To all of you who donated one or more toys or gifts, THANK YOU! You have given families in need a special Christmas to remember.
Another magical Christmas season has come to the Rescue Mission and it once again has been a beautiful reminder of the joy, grace, and blessings God has given us through Jesus Christ! Thank you to all who were a part of making this magical day!
Giving online is easy, safe, and quick. Your donation will make an immediate impact to provide meals, shelter and services for a homeless family in desperate need of a hand up to self-sufficiency.
