Event spreads joy to kids in Wasco

LifeHouse Church hosted a toy giveaway and helped make Christmas special for the little ones in Wasco. Over 200 toys were distributed.

"Our goal next year is to give away 500 toys and be able to reach more children and their families," Pastor Manuel Cantu said.

The best part for him was seeing the kids walk away with big smiles.

"You could feel the joy in their hearts."

He said he wants to make it a tradition and that an important message goes along with it.

"We want to continue blessing the community and show the love of Christ during Christmas and that there is a church family that cares."

Cantu added, "Our motto is not to use people to build up the church but to use the church to build them up."

Cantu was mayor of McFarland from 2010 to 2019. He said that experience pushed him to find a deeper purpose in helping others.

"Now I get to do that here in Wasco. With this event, we can share the love through Jesus Christ any day and every day of the year."

The families and children who received the toys were very grateful.

Karla Sedano brought her four children.

"It's nice that they do this during these difficult times, and it's great for the kids. They each got a toy that they wanted," Sedano said.

Maria Marvan came with three children.

"It's very sweet. I am a church member, and this is just one of the services the church does for the community."

She added, "My children were very happy and excited about their gift."

Gina Zazuta also brought her three children.

"We go to this church, and it's a very grand gesture. They always do things for the kids. It is a really nice organization because of how much attention the church gives them."

Veronica Camarena said, "This is a big help to families that don't have an opportunity to buy their children gifts."

Maria Guadalupe Lopez Benitz liked her toy.

"It's going to be fun playing with it. All my sisters got one."

The many volunteers received as much satisfaction as those that received the gifts.

Destiny Aguilar said, "It was amazing seeing the kid's faces light up."

Another volunteer, Richard Vega, shared, "I feel like I am making an important impact on my community to bless others in need."

He said it was a great turnout.

"It was more than I expected."

Ryan Zamora, a volunteer and member of the church, expressed that it was a beautiful experience to see God moving.

"To see the joy on the kid's faces as they received their gift was priceless. This is the heart of giving, and that is why we are here; to give."

"I know America goes day by day from paycheck to paycheck. These are tough times with inflation, with taxes and gas going up. It gives us peace of mind that it's going to a family in need and is very fulfilling."

Pastor Cantu expressed his gratitude to everyone that lent a hand to make the event so special.

"I want to thank our church family and the many other organization for their help and for making Wasco a city of hope, love and joy, especially during this holiday season."