Santa's Workshop a success, even in drive-through format

Bags of gifts await local children at Saturday's Santa's Workshop drive-through event. (Photos courtesy of MUSD)

News release from Menifee Union School District about Saturday’s annual Santa’s Workshop, which was modified as a drive-through event because of COVID-19 restrictions. This year’s event was held in the parking lot adjacent to the Menifee Boys & Girls Club:

Today was the day when the collaborative efforts of the Menifee community brought joy into the lives of so many families in need.

Starting early this morning, Menifee’s annual “Santa’s Workshop” operated like a well-oiled machine, distributing toys, blankets, games, jackets, books, goodies etc. at the rate of one car per minute.

Coordinating the event was head helper elf, Debbi Manion. She and a team of volunteers representing the City of Menifee, Menifee Police and Fire Departments, Lyon’s Club, Rotary Club, Menifee Union School District, Menifee Boys & Girls Club, Arts Council Menifee, and Habitat for Humanity helped to collect the donations needed for today’s event. The donations were sorted and placed into bags with a number that coordinated with each child.

As each car arrived, Dawn Smith from the Menifee Valley Community Cupboard welcomed the families who she had prescreened and scheduled for this year's drive-through workshop. The cars proceeded into the distribution area and helper elves form Santa Rosa Academy and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints packed the back of each car with bags filled with items from each individual child’s wish list, while MUSD Superintendent Dr. Jennifer Root handed each driver bags filled with holiday goodies.

Before the cars exited the workshop, they had a chance to see the special friends of John and Linda Denver, Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus, who had a special message for every boy and girl who came to visit.

The Menifee Union School District would like to thank all those who made today’s “Menifee Santa’s Workshop” such a great success. 

Families who registered for the event checked in with "elves" in the parking lot.

 Vehicles were packed with gifts donated by local businesses and individuals.

 As she does every year, Debbi Manion coordinated the Santa's Workshop toy drive.

Santa and Mrs. Claus greeted children from a safe distance at the Santa's Workshop event.

 

The event was conducted in coordination with the Spark of Love program.