A SusanvilleStuff Video Feature and Gallery
by Marshel and Jeremy Couso
Oh it was marvelous! Like so many other events affected by COVID-19 it could have been a sad shadow of its normal self. Instead it was an incredible experience to watch Saturday as hundreds of local heroes – first responders, law enforcement officers, cheerleaders and assorted volunteers – took to the streets and delivered Christmas to the doorstep of kids all over town as part of the Lassen County Holiday with a Hero program.
Gathering early at the Lassen College parking lot, this group of more than 100 volunteers set out in six, separate processions, each one with a contingent of law enforcement vehicles, ambulances, busses and fire trucks, carrying presents for a long list of kids from Santa’s ‘Nice List’.
It wasn’t just presents though! At each stop the group would sing songs, the Lassen High Drill Team and cheerleaders would dance, there was an honest-to-goodness princess and a dozen other wonderful Christmas surprises for each child along the way. And of course Santa!
This year more than 150 Lassen County kids had Christmas delivered to their doorsteps thanks to the program.
“This was the most difficult year yet in terms of completely altering our program to try to keep our community and first responders safe amidst a pandemic,” explains event organizer Terra Avilla.
“However due to the hard work of so many people this year was a huge success!”
Avilla also noted that volunteer fire departments stepped-in and helped deliver to Lassen County’s rural communities.
Westwood, Madeline and Doyle-Herlong hosted families at their fire departments.
“It is just truly the best thing to see.”
Holiday with a Hero, along with Lassen County Toys for Tots and the Salvation Army, came together and jointly sponsored all of the children affected by the Laura-2 fire.
“And we continue, pandemic or not, to be dedicated to bringing love and connection to the kids in this county,” said Avilla.
Check out our SusanvilleStuff video from the event:
If you have trouble you can also watch this video at YouTube
