While it will certainly look differently, the Mission’s Christmas event will go on this year. We will serve a Christmas meal to our local homeless guests, and will bless the community with the gospel, and toys for the children.

Our annual Christmas meal for our local community members experiencing homelessness will, as per usual, be held in collaboration with House of Worship. We plan to serve more than 150 guests hot meals from the food truck on Dec. 23. The event will be held outside of the Mission at socially distanced tables, or individuals may take their meal to-go.

This year’s toy giveaway will be a contactless, drive-thru event held Dec. 19 at the San Bernardino County Fairgrounds. There will be a simultaneous giveaway with High Desert Second Chance. “Every year it is a blessing to be a part of a collective effort to bring joy to our low-income littles and students,” said Dawn Quigg, the Mission’s community relations coordinator.

Dawn added that this year, gifts will be provided for children up to 17 year old, as opposed to the normal 12. “It’s a wonderful addition to our gift giving—to be able to serve all of the children in the family is great! Doing the event in concert with High Desert Second Chance allows us to reach even more families and create a one-stop shop for everyone we serve!”

While families wait in their cars to collect their toys, a Message of Hope will be presented, and Skate Riot will be hosting a pro-skate exhibition. Santa will also make an appearance, as will Tuba Force, our favorite Christmas band.

“We could not even have predicted all of the changes we would face this year with COVID but God did,” said Mission Director Bill Edwards. “He knew we would need to rethink all of the events and outreaches to our local community. The generosity of the Victor Valley is truly amazing and it’s been a joy to watch everyone come together in this time of need. We thank you for all of your support and pray you have a blessed Christmas and New Year!”