'Filling a need' is motivation behind Manion's volunteer work

When Debbi Manion moved to Menifee in 1991 to be near her parents, she expressed frustration with the lack of programs for youth and others in the small city.

"We lived in Walnut and the schools didn't offer what I wanted," said Manion, showing concern for the opportunities for her children. "After we moved here, I complained to my dad that the community needed so many things. His attitude was, 'If it needs to be done, go ahead and do it.' "

That's certainly what Manion has done for more than 26 years, creating programs and volunteering countless hours to serve others. For her continuing service, she has been named a Menifee 24/7 Hometown Hero.

"Debbi is such a caring person," said Jackie Aponte, who nominated Manion for the award. "I met her four years ago when we moved to Quail Valley. I thought I would volunteer for the PTA and I met Debbi working for the Santa's Workshop. She was so sweet and kind. One of my kids has special needs and was having trouble with the move. She was so kind to all of us."

(In photo above, Debbi Manion poses with Santa and Mrs. Claus at the Santa's Workshop).

One of Manion's biggest projects is serving as chairperson for the annual Santa's Workshop at Quail Valley Elementary School. The event is sponsored by the Menifee Rotary Club, of which Manion is president-elect. She works throughout the year to purchase new toys and solicit donations from local businesses for children of low-income families.

Previously, the Santa's Workshop was sponsored by the Lake Menifee Women's Club, of which Manion was a member. She also worked with her brother to create a girls softball league in 1991 and a youth soccer league. In addition, she was instrumental in the formation of the band booster club at Paloma Valley High School.

"The first year of the softball program, we were told there weren't enough fields for us," Manion recalled. "We worked out a plan to share some of the fields and we rebuilt an unused field at Menifee Elementary School. In three years, we went from zero players to 480."

With Manion's leadership, the band program at the new Paloma Valley High School enjoyed similar success. The first day of the new school, eight students signed up for band. Two weeks later, there were 38 band members. Manion continued as volunteer with the band boosters for 13 years.

Manion also has worked on the annual Menifee Better Together program, which provides home improvements for area seniors. She also volunteers with the annual Independence Day parade and is a member of the Lions Club.

"When I've seen a need, I've figured out a way to fill it," said Manion, who said she was honored to be recognized with the award. "The rewards are difficult to put into words. With the Santa's Workshop, seeing the smiles on the children's faces is worth every bit of the hours we put into it."

Manion coordinates an effort to place 95 boxes around town each fall to collect donated toys for the Santa's Workshop. She and a colleague, Stephanie Vaughn, make two trips a year to downtown Los Angeles to shop for the best deals on toys. Children who are eligible for the program get to select toys from an auditorium full of them, visit Santa and Mrs. Claus and more.

One of Manion's co-workers at the Santa's Workshop each year was Mike Castillejos, who passed away last month. Another heavily involved community volunteer, Castillejos was also recently honored with a Menifee 24/7 Hometown Hero award.

"Debbi and Mike were at all the community stuff," said Aponte, at left with Manion. "People called Mike Mr. Menifee. That would make Debbi Miss Menifee. She's Mike Castillejos in female form."

"Hometown Heroes" is a Menifee 24/7 program created to recognize those in our community who truly are making a difference. To nominate someone for consideration, send us a Facebook message, email menifee247info@gmail.com or mail us at 28313 Parkdale Lane, Menifee CA 92584.