La Purisima Elementary School owners lend community Christmas Village of lights to get donations for kids in need this X-mas season
LOMPOC, Calif. - Eddie Munoz and his family are on a mission to make sure no children in Lompoc go without Christmas gifts this year.
Munoz' family runs and operates La Purisima Elementary School. They put together a toy drive to give back to those that are less fortunate this holiday season.
“It's just a fun family friendly thing to do here in Lompoc,” said Lompoc resident Amanda Gutierrez.
Preparations start as early as September.
“I'd love for all the community to come enjoy this with us. Because it is for our community not just for our school,” said La Purisima HOPE Shop charity founder and school owner Eddie Munoz.
The Munoz's create the Christmas Village every year to draw in visitors and get donations.
“It's all free for anyone who comes in, the only thing that we ask is that they possibly can donate an unwrapped toy,” said Thomas Munoz, who helped organize the give back with his family.
The Munoz family gives the toys away to designated families the weekend before Christmas.
“We give those toys to families that are in need. That wouldn’t be able to afford gifts for their families or for their children for Christmas,” said Thomas Munoz.
The charity is run by a ministry from the La Purisima Church.
“HOPE Shop and it stands for helping others provide enough, and we are always taking donations,” said
La Purisima HOPE Shop charity organizer Terese Hill.
The attraction has thousands of Christmas lights, and Christmas icons for families to enjoy.
“Definitely a lot goes into making this. Going to stores to purchase a lot of different things from ornaments to lights. It's a lot bigger this year than last year for sure I have to say,” said La Purisima School teacher Josceline Gonzalez who helped with the decorations.
The yearly Christmas village has become a staple in Lompoc.
“It just means a lot to be able to do things for family and be able to come and do something and not have to bust out my wallet. It's awesome,” said Lompoc resident Marissa Ortega
The village will shine until Jan. 8, welcoming guests and donations.
It's located at 219 West Olive Avenue in Lompoc.
