Lompoc church delivers hundreds of gift boxes to frontline workers

LOMPOC, Calif. -- Lompoc Foursquare Church handed out hundreds of gift boxes to frontline workers Thursday morning.

The gesture was made to as a way for church members to express their gratitude for the services provided by the Lompoc Police Department, Lompoc Fire Department and workers at Lompoc Valley Medical Center.

"The DNA of our church has always been to love and serve our community and add value to our community," said Pastor Bernie Federmann. "We provided (hospital workers) over 350 gift boxes. Our police department, our fire department, all of them are receiving a gift box as a tangible expression, just our way to say thank you for what you've done the past 14 months."

Federmann said packages contained a Yeti mug, a South Side Coffee Co. gift card, candy, other items, plus a handwritten note of appreciation.

"They've put in long hours, working multiple shifts and this is a simple way to put a smile on their face and say people love them and care for them," said Federmann. "We are so fortunate in Lompoc to have this hospital, to have our police department, our fire department and all that they do for us, so we just want to applaud their diligent work and to say thank you from the bottom of our heart."

Church members started at the police station and handed out about 60 packages.

"It's awesome," said Police Captain Kevin Martin. "We do this every day because of the people of this community and to have them step up and show us that appreciation, we'll all take it to heart. Can't thank them enough. It's just a great thing for them to do for the staff here."

Soon after, packages were delivered a couple of blocks away at the fire station.

"It means the world," said Fire Captain Louis Farah. "You don't do the job for the thank yous, but they definitely help keep you motivated through the day, or the pandemic, or whatever it might be. It's awesome having the community come out and know that the community supports us and backs us and these little things don't go unnoticed and they mean the world to us."

For the last stop, the church visited Lompoc Valley Medical Center where hundreds of the boxes were delivered to workers who have been on the frontline of the pandemic since day one.

"It's amazing," said nurse Meaghan Skinner. "It's so thoughtful. I can't even believe the kindness of the community. Honestly, all through this, they've really supported us, all of the community has, but is just another great thing that they've done to give back to us."

Federmann added the church has previously given out similar packages to Police and Fire department personnel, as well as teachers and Air Force security forces.

He added he hopes other community members will be inspired to step up and help out their fellow neighbors.

"All of us can add value to this town. Everyone of us has a responsibility to make Lompoc a better place and to use whatever we can to do that," said Federmann. "I just encourage everyone to find a way to add value to neighbors, to love someone on their street or at their workplace or their school and make a difference in someone's life."

The packages were paid entirely through generous donations made by Lompoc Foursquare Church members.

"The people of our congregation have been generous and they understand that they do a lot of benevolent acts so they give above and beyond even through the Covid season," said Federmann. "Our congregation has said, we want to add value to our town and we want to love and serve people, not just inside the church but outside our walls and try to make a difference where we can."