A Long Tradition At St. Joachim School Shares The Magic Of Christmas With Families Less Fortunate

Submitted by Cornelia Fuertes

True to a ten year old tradition St. Joachim School participated also this year in the Operations Christ Child program to bring the Christmas spirit alive. The school chose to adopt two less fortunate neighborhood families to brighten up their 2009 Christmas with presents and food.

The two Costa Mesa families have twelve to thirteen family members each and among these are fifteen children, waiting for the magic of Christmas. St. Joachim School was determined to make it a memorable Christmas for all. Last Thursday was the final day of the program and St. Joachim could proudly look upon a wealth of donated presents. Among the many wrapped presents, three for each family member, were two scooters and even a bike. On top, both families will receive an envelope with each $500 worth of grocery gift cards.

“This is my sixth year 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 present,” says Staci Chapman, one of the school’s parent organizers of Operations Christ Child. “We have a wish list from each family and we really try to find these gifts they truly wish for.”

Every year St. Joachim School joins the Operations Christ Child program operated by SOS - Share our Selves organization. The SOS Annual Adopt A Family Program, helps struggling Orange County families to enjoy and feel the Spirit of Christmas.

St. Joachim Parish School is a private catholic school located on 1964 Orange Ave., Costa Mesa, CA 92627. More information on the school is available at (949) 573 7411 or online at www.stjoachimparishschool.com .