Westhoff Elementary Showcases Spirit of Giving with Spark of Love Event

“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 around 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.”