Since the calendar turned to December, the Laguna Beach community has embraced every opportunity to celebrate the holidays.
Sightings of Santa have been reported all over the city, from the festive holiday kickoff event known as Hospitality Night to the Sawdust Festival’s winter fairytale display.
This season of giving, many have taken it upon themselves to play the role of Santa’s little helpers, contributing where they can to making the holidays more merry and bright.
The Laguna Beach volleyball community got in on the action Saturday, as the Polar Bear Toy Drive Christmas Tournament provided a reason to come together at Main Beach.
As an entry fee, competitors were asked to donate a toy that went to the Laguna Beach Fire Department’s “Spark of Love” toy drive.
“The support we have had for both the Polar Bear Championship and the Laguna Open over the years has been amazing,” said Kirk Morgan, Laguna Open tournament director. “A lot of times, people don’t know how to give, and when you give them a path to give, a lot of times they’re very generous. They want to help. They sometimes don’t know how.”
There were 92 players competing on the beach this year, and the event features a social section and an open section. This was the 15th edition of the Polar Bear Championship.
Morgan said Laguna Beach’s generosity extended to the Laguna Open, where he was proud to say the prize money was paid for by local residents. The Laguna Open also returned to the Assn. He said he was on the professional volleyball roster for the first time since 1991.
The Montessori School of Laguna Beach has teamed up with MOMS Orange County, a nonprofit focused on newborn and pregnancy health, for its holiday giving program.
The school community contributed to the diaper and wipes drive, as well as a group donation of gift cards. The gifts went to families in need.
The Montessori school works with students between the ages of 2 to 6 years. In addition to their participation in the Holiday Giving Program, parents were encouraged to share with their children the value of generosity. Students were able to place gift cards on the giving tree during class.
“We asked our community to come out, and we assigned two families per classroom,” said Christel Newquist, the school’s principal. “Instead of trying to serve too many families, we wanted to serve fewer families well. The parents have really opened their hearts.”
“They were so excited to have someone give them the opportunity to give, and I think they really connected with MOMS Orange County as an organization. I think our community is really great about noticing their own privileges and wanting to share that with others.”