Santa's Workshop makes kids' dreams come true

Content contributed by Betti Cadmus

The spirit of giving was on full display Saturday at the Menifee Spark of Love/Santa’s Workshop.

Leading the way was retired Cal Fire Captain Leonard Grill, who has been the SPARK that has made the annual Spark of Love Toy Drive possible for the community of Menifee. With support from his wife Linda, who logs in every donation and sorts them by size and age appropriateness, they have brought together multiple community partners whose sole purpose is to bring joy to the hearts of the children of Menifee. Cal Fire crew members were there to help sort clothing items with Captain Grill.

Families arriving to the event can visit with Santa and receive toys. They were greeted by event coordinators Dawn Smith from the Menifee Valley Community Cupboard (in the red and white apron in the above photo), Debbi Manion (in the brown apron), and other volunteers throughout the day.

The children followed a path to a coloring station, where they decorated a photo holder that will serve as a keepsake picture holder for their next stop, where Dorothy Wolons helped Albert and Christie from MVP Trophies take photos of every child with Santa and Mrs. Claus, while John and Linda Denver looked on.

After visiting a room with toys, sporting goods gear, and other items selected for their age range, the children were given a goodie bag with more small toys.

Rotary Club member Jacqui Dobens, MUSD Superintendent Jennifer Root Ed.D., and Governing Board Member Bob O’Donnell were there to hand out a stuffed toy to the children before they moved on to pick out puzzles, games and books.

Led by Marty Lance, volunteers from the Lions Club kept packing the racks with warm jackets for anyone who needed one before they moved on to get a picture with the Grinch. Thank goodness staff from the Menifee Police Department were close by to help out should the Grinch get out of hand!

Santa’s Workshop Committee members Linda and John Tribelhorn were there to send off the children with a sweet treat of cookies and lemonade.

Stopping by to lend their support were City of Menifee Mayor Bill Zimmerman and his family, and City Council member Bob Karwin (photo below). Thank you to all who made this event possible. From your donations of toys and sporting goods, to the donations of talent and time, you have made a difference in the life of so many children. Because of the generosity of our community, over 600 children from the Menifee will indeed have a joyous holiday season!