By Loreen Berlin
It’s the holiday season and as such, the city of Stanton held its annual Christmas Tree Lighting last week at City Hall.
The theme this year was, “Celebrating Holidays Around the World.”
There were crafts from the five different countries featured this year, which included Mexico, Greece, Ireland, the Philippines and Sweden.
And, there was storytelling so children could sit inside City Hall on a large area rug and hear Christmas and holiday stories read to them.
By Loreen Berlin
It’s the holiday season and as such, the city of Stanton held its annual Christmas Tree Lighting last week at City Hall.
The theme this year was, “Celebrating Holidays Around the World.”
There were crafts from the five different countries featured this year, which included Mexico, Greece, Ireland, the Philippines and Sweden.
And, there was storytelling so children could sit inside City Hall on a large area rug and hear Christmas and holiday stories read to them.
Refreshments of hot chocolate and tamales were available for purchase and Horchata (a Mexican rice drink), was served by Fiesta Mexican Grill.
The large Christmas tree in front of City Hall was lighted by Santa and Mayor David Shawver.
Stanton Home Depot store No. 6952 donated 10 Christmas tree stands to go with the 10 Christmas Trees provided by Holiday Tree Farms, out of Oregon, which supplies their trees each year and the Illumination Foundation in Stanton coordinated decorating the trees with other organizations so that less fortunate families could have a Christmas tree.
“Giving back to the community's our stores serve is a core value of The Home Depot throughout the year and during the holiday season,” said Home Depot Store Manager Mike Flack. “We're very pleased to have the opportunity to help these families and to bring joy to those in need, especially at this time of year.”
“We want to thank Home Depot and Holiday Tree Farms for bringing Christmas cheer to those less fortunate in the community,” said Mayor David Shawver.
“The holiday season brings the best out in people,” Mayor Pro Tem Al Ethans said. “I wish we could do this all year long; we look forward to serving the community.”
Councilwoman Carol Warren said that the City Council tries to make the holiday season great for everyone in Stanton.
Honoring the five different country's holiday traditions this year, was the idea of City Manager Jim Box and Nick Guilliams, director of Public Works and the Parks and Recreation Services, to honor Christians as well as other faiths.
“I think this is a phenomenal project,” said Councilman Rigoberto “Rigo” Ramirez. “It’s what the season is all about and nothing brings people together quite like a Christmas tree.”
Stanton Home Depot received praise while Stanton officials gathered to take a picture by the Christmas trees.
“I live closer to another Home Depot but I drive over here to Stanton because I get the help I want every year,” one Garden Grove woman (who did want to be identified) said. “They are so nice and Jon is a big help.”
Another couple, Sharon and Stuart Maurer, from Garden Grove, praised the Stanton store and its employees, saying how they have always received friendly help in the Christmas tree lot from Jon and Allison.
“Both are extremely courteous and patient with us when we request to look at several trees,” they said. “We feel the employees are more than just thorough; they are genuinely friendly and interested in satisfying our needs and act like they really want to be here to help us as customers.”
The Maurers say they'll be back next year too, because of the professional and friendly service they've received the past two years.
