FULLERTON : Program to Unveil ‘Secret Pals’ Today

Anonymous sponsors of a program that sent low-income children on summer trips to amusement parks will be unmasked today at a party for the children and donors.

Under the “Secret Pal” program, started this year, 25 children were sent to Disneyland and Magic Mountain and were given swimming lessons, said Eloisa Espinoza, the program’s coordinator. The program received more than $1,200 in private donations, she said.

Betty Schwarzkopf, a city employee, said that she chose to sponsor a child’s trip to Disneyland “because I know that my children enjoy it so much.”

Jaime Salgado, 12, went to Disneyland for the first time this summer and agreed with Schwarzkopf’s children.

“I liked Space Mountain,” Salgado said. “It gets really dark and it’s fast.”

Secret Pal was started in July by the city’s Community Services Department, in conjunction with the Neighborhood Watch Assn. Espinoza said the children who participated were primarily from low-income families who would not have been able to afford the recreational activities.

“We really appreciate the support the community, Neighborhood Watch and city employees have given to the program,” Espinoza said. “Twenty-five youngsters had an opportunity to enjoy a busy and fun summer.”

The party will be held at the Maple Senior Multi-Service Center, 701 S. Lemon St., beginning at noon.