By KRISTI MAYFIELD
In the crowded Gene Bianchi Community Center, the sounds of children filled with excitement and wonder resonated throughout the room as everyone anxiously anticipated the arrival of that jolly man in red, Santa Claus. More than 200 people including 175 children enjoyed pizza, cookies and hot cocoa during the gathering, hosted by the Oakdale Lions Club as part of their ‘shopping tour’ for kids.
Greg Rivera, chair of this event for the Lions Club, said that, “We factor in the age group of the children, which are mostly grade school age and we buy gift cards for each age group.”
Rivera, who brought this event to the Oakdale Lions Club more than 25 years ago, is thrilled that the holiday tradition has continued to bring so much joy to so many youngsters in the community.
Donations are a big part of the success of this event, which was fortunate this year also to receive donations from both Mountain Mike’s Pizza and Domino’s Pizza to help feed the crowd. John Maddox, owner of Mountain Mike’s Pizza here in Oakdale, along with his Manager Eddie Hernandez and team, donated more than $900 worth of pizza to the event. Domino’s Pizza donated multiple pizzas as well and Oakdale Community Sharing donated various desserts and beverages.
Volunteers also play a major role in this event with more than 30 volunteers there to help, including generations of family members such as Doug and Marissa Campbell, father and daughter, who doated their time. Doug manned the dessert station while Marissa handed out gift cards to the children after they took their photos with Santa. Campbell, a local businessman, said that he appreciates the opportunities like this to share the magic of giving to others with his family.
While the Oakdale Lions Club helps out with many events including Love Oakdale, Wreaths Across America and The Spirit of Oakdale Community Thanksgiving Dinner, among others, this event is one that they have cherished for many years.
“The generosity of this community is incredible,” said Rivera as he described all of the volunteers and donors that made this event possible. He went on to reiterate that they couldn’t do this without all of the support from the community and that it is never too late to donate to make a child’s Christmas a little brighter.
To donate, you can mail your donation directly to the Oakdale Lions Club at P.O. Box 550, Oakdale, CA 95361 or contact them at Oakdale Lions Club - Lions e-Clubhouse.
