Christmas comes early for Nipomo families in need
NIPOMO, Calif. -- Christmas came early for some Central Coast families on Thursday. The Nipomo Noel Celebration is a new effort hoping to bring joy to kids in need.
“We offer a meal, presents, and then an evening over at the Willow Lights," said Aaron Meloncon, a counselor at Lucia Mar Unified School District,
Meloncon says he noticed a need among some of his students.
“Christmas is always like a warm touchy feeling type of thing. But sometimes things are kinda tough where it ain't so touchy feely," he said. "So it's nice to see [the kids] happy. It's nice to see them enjoying each other.”
Meloncon says he got a lot of support from the Nipomo community, especially the local churches.
“People in Nipomo, when you tell them that you're trying to do something for other people in the community, they step up.”
“We just came to share the festivities, have Christmas dinner and stuff with the school and the community," said Jill Silverra, a Nipomo mom in attendance.
“It was pretty awesome. I was pretty surprised, stunned, that we had a great night," another parent shared.
“We got a bag full of presents that we have to wait until Christmas [to open]" one kid said.
“The kids were so appreciative," said Santa Claus, who was part of the celebration, too.
This is the first ever Nipomo Noel celebration. Organizers were so overwhelmed by the local support, they're hoping to make it a yearly tradition.
