NEWS                                                                                   Walnut Valley Unified School District

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                           880 S. Lemon Avenue

December 13, 2013                                                          Walnut, CA 91789

 

Contact:                                                   

Kelli Gile, Office of Community Resources

(909)595-1261 ext. 31204

Westhoff Elementary Presents Spark of Love 2013

WALNUT, CA—Westhoff Elementary students delivered special holiday gifts and music during the 21st Annual Spark of Love toy drive and holiday program on December 13.

“The holidays are about sharing and caring,” said Principal Denise Rendon.

“This is one of my very favorite school-wide events. Not only do we get to showcase our talented kids, but we also get to remind ourselves why it’s important to give back,” she said.

Students filed through the school amphitheater dropping off hundreds of new toys that filled bins before the program began.

Fifth grader Nisha Lerdsuwanrut donated a puzzle for the Spark of Love toy drive.

“I hope it will make somebody happy for Christmas,” she said.

In fact, there weren’t enough bins for all the donations.

“It was a good problem to have!” Rendon shared with the audience.

The Spark of Love toy drive is co-sponsored by Southland Firefighters and KABC7.

Firefighters from Walnut Station #146 would later deliver the gifts to needy children throughout Southern California.

“I want to thank all you boys and girls and your families for your generosity. Thanks to you, other children who can’t afford toys will be able to have a nice toy for Christmas,” said Captain Gil Sanchez.

Then the each grade level took to the decorated stage. Westhoff parents and families gathered with cameras in hand to record the school’s holiday extravaganza. The band performed a blended version of “Jingle Bells” and “Dreidel Song.”

Kindergarteners opened the show decked out as Alvin and the Chipmunks to sing “Christmas Don’t Be Late.”

First graders performed “Run, Run Rudolph” wearing felt reindeer antlers. Second graders donned red and green bandanas as they sang and danced with big candy canes during “Candy Cane Jane”

Third graders performed “Reindeer Jive” and fourth graders wore cool sunglasses and Santa hats as they sang and danced the “Jingle Bell Rap.”

Fifth graders showed off their big skills dancing, performing cartwheels, riding  scooters, roller blades and skateboards during “Big Time Rush.”

The Westhoff staff salsa danced to “Love on Layaway” during the finale. Santa and his elves surprised the children when they cruised into the event in a convertible.

Westhoff students lined up to make their donations to the Spark of Love toy drive. 

Fifth grader Nisha Lerdsuwanrut dropped off a puzzle toy for the Spark of Love toy drive.  

Kindergarteners performed “Christmas Don’t Be Late.”

First graders performed “Run, Run Rudolph” wearing felt reindeer antlers. 

Second graders performed “Candy Cane Jane” during the Spark of Love holiday program.” 

Westhoff third graders wiggled and giggled wearing reindeer hats for their song “Reindeer Jive.” 

Fourth graders performed the “Jingle Bell Rap” with a tiny convertible handmade by Westhoff parents. 

Westhoff fifth graders made a grand entrance riding scooters, skating, tumbling and dancing during their performance of “Big Time Rush.” 

The staff performed the salsa “Love on Layaway” during the finale. Santa and his elves made a surprise entrance in a convertible.