Tehachapi News

Jamison Center children enjoy a white Christmas at Stallion Springs Lodge

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On Saturday Dec. 12, 26 children from the Jamison Children's Center in Bakersfield were the honored guests at the 19th Annual Christmas at The Lodge in Stallion Springs.

The children were met by Brad Burris, Stallion Springs Chief of Police, along with volunteers from Woodward West, California Correctional Institution (CCI), California Correctional Peace Officers Association, California Correctional Supervisor's Organization, Stallion Springs Police Activities League, Kern County Sheriff, G.E. Wind, Horse Thief Women's Golf Group and Cummings Valley School.

Upon arrival at the beautiful Stallion Springs Lodge, the feeling and excitement of Christmas was in the air with the sight of snow! For many of the children, this was their first time in the snow and as they disembarked from the bus, they began having snowball fights. 

The festivities moved inside the Lodge and the children, with help from the volunteers, enjoyed creating craft items. A luncheon of pizza, juice, and cookies, donated by Woodward West was served.

Following lunch, to everyone's delight, a special surprise guest arrived -- Santa Claus! The children entered Santa's room, filled with toys, skateboards and bicycles donated by the staff of CCI. The children were excited to sit on Santa's lap and tell him their Christmas wishes. The children's smiles were priceless and some had tears in their eyes as they tried to speak. 

After talking to Santa, the children were allowed to pick the gift of their choice.

At the conclusion of the festivities Mr. Burris presented a check of approximately $1,500 to the Jamison Children's Center on behalf of the staff at CCI. The Jamison Children's Center provides 24-hour emergency shelter for abused and neglected children in Kern County. The Center serves over 200 children each month, with ages ranging from infant to 17 years. The average stay is approximately 10 days. Their needs are varied and great.

Cash donations are greatly appreciated by the Jamison Children's Center and are utilized to purchase items for the everyday needs of the children throughout the year.