CLEARLAKE — Santa Claus enjoyed a warm welcoming full of hugs and smiles Wednesday at New Beginnings in Clearlake. The ole guy was greeted by more than two dozen children, who had anxiously awaited his arrival.
Santa, a member of Ghost Warriors Motorcycle Club of Sonoma, was joined by his Harley-riding helpers including those of West Coast OG Riders of Yuba/Sutter. Santa and his leather-clad elves delivered bags full of gifts just in time for Christmas.
New Beginnings is a place of recovery for women making transitions that lead to a healthy lifestyle. The program provides support for those women and their children.
“Most of us are in recovery so we are familiar with the struggles these women and their children face. We wanted to recognize the strides these women are making toward recovery and what that means for their children,” Michael Horner, West Coast OG Rider and event coordinator said. “It was really cool to see the excitement of the kids but the look of gratitude on the women”s faces was priceless.”
New Beginnings program graduate Amber Westphal, who helped coordinate the event, said displays of support such as Wednesday”s event are vital to the recovery process. “I think this really helps our women”s self-esteem by showing them that someone cares and supports them through their recovery,” she said. “It”s very honorable to do what these clubs are doing. They are coming from Yuba City and Sonoma, riding in this cold weather, to support our women, children and our agency. It takes a lot of courage to change and do what the women are doing here.”
About 27 children received a personally-marked gift during the event. The Christmas gift list was filled with the assistance of the motorcycle clubs, Jonas Oil, Last Mile Auto Wreckers, D&S Muffler and Funtopia Toys.
For more information regarding the New Beginnings program, contact Program Coordinator Debbie Hart at 995-3235.
Contact Denise Rockenstein at drockenstein@clearlakeobserver.com or call her directly at 994-6444, ext. 11.
