Santa assists with annual toy drive

The annual Moorpark Food Pantry Toy Drive concluded on Dec. 20 as the playthings were given away in Mahan Hall at Moorpark United Methodist Church.

“Elves” from the Active Citizens of Today service club at Moorpark High School, volunteer workers from Catholic Charities and other volunteers helped to sort and give away the toys that were collected at schools, churches and local businesses.

While almost all schools participated with generous donations, the Peach Hill Academy Student Council contributed more than 400 toys, requiring three large vans to transport them to the church for the giveaway.

New to the program this year, Rotary president Jim Arthur dressed up as Santa and provided the families an opportunity to have their photo taken with Santa and offered each child a personal chat. He was assisted by volunteer elf Sandy Arthur and granddaughter/photographer Lizzie Malafronte.

Fellow Rotarian and CHP officer Cliff Williams delivered Santa in a patrol car complete with flashing lights. He and his community services officer stayed throughout the evening, greeting families and welcoming the children.

At the end of the evening, event organizer and Food Pantry coordinator Patricia Calderon was honored by her daughters with roses and applause for the project on behalf of Moorpark.