In mid-December, the Los Banos Elks Lodge No. 2510, with the support of an Elks National Foundation Beacon Grant, supplied a full-on Christmas holiday party for the students of the Valley Community High School in Los Banos.
DJ Barcellos, Committee Chairman, said “the Elks had wanted for a few years to provide a memorable holiday occasion for all the students, including the special education department, that they might not normally experience off campus”.
Receiving a grant of generous proportion, the Elks provided each student with an individualized wrapped gift, a hoodie with the school logo, and a Christmas bag filled with hygiene products and various food treats. All students and staff were treated to a complete Christmas style lunch including pie for dessert.
Santa and Mrs. Claus made an appearance to help make the occasion even more festive. Students, and staff alike, joined in the fun of having a picture taken with Santa while telling him their Christmas wish.
A special visit was made by Dr. Steve Tietjen Merced County Superintendent of Schools, along with interim-principal and Los Banos School Board Trustee Lori Gattuso.
