Gifts for boys and girls

Children at St. Joachim School in Costa Mesa helped make Christmas a little brighter for two local families in need.

The private school collected presents and grocery store gift card donations until Thursday, then sorted and prepared the presents for the Operation Christ Child program operated by Share our Selves.

The two Costa Mesa beneficiary families have 12 or 13 family members each, the school said, including 15 children. Each family member ended up with three presents per person; among the gifts were two scooters and a bicycle. Each family was given an envelope with $500 in grocery gift cards.

“This is my sixth year since taking over organizing this gift drive, and every year I am so proud of our parents and students, who go out of their way to find just the right gift,” said parent organizer Staci Chapman. “We have a wish list from each family, and we really try to find these gifts they truly wish for.”

For more information, contact the school at (949) 573-7411 or stjoachimparishschool.com.

— Candice Baker