BUENA PARK : Legion Post Plays Santa for 10th Year

The man in the red suit and long white beard rode on a Buena Park fire truck to spread Christmas cheer to more than 175 children Sunday at American Legion Post 354.

As Santa stepped off the yellow ladder-truck, the children--many of whom will see a meager holiday--were quickly ushered behind him into the veterans’ post. There each had the chance to sit on Santa’s lap and get a toy.

Carla Bordeau, 35, a 15-year Buena Park resident, said her visit to the Christmas party was extra special for her daughter Rusti, 1, and son Dillon, 2, both dressed in red and wearing Santa’s hats.

Bordeau, whose husband recently died, said Christmas will be tough this year. But Bordeau, who started crying during the celebration, credited the American Legion toy giveaway with making her family’s holiday brighter.

“It put my children on the receiving end,” she said. “It made us feel very good. It put the Christmas spirit in our hearts.”

Moss O’Bryant, post commander, said that about $1,000 was raised by post members to buy toys--from Barbie dolls to teddy bears, bingo games, Play-Doh and jigsaw puzzles--to give to community children.

O’Bryant said the 10-year tradition at the post, which has been in the city since 1928, is just another way for the 467-member veterans organization to show its spirit of giving.

“We donate everything back into the community that we make,” he said.

Children and their parents expressed appreciation for the generosity.

“It’s kind of nice in case my parents can’t afford presents,” said Becky Silva, 11, whose parents are both out of work. “It shows that people care in the community.”

Theresa Tremblay, 20, brought her 2-year-old daughter, Alexandria, who clutched a Troll doll with lime green hair in her arms after she climbed off Santa’s lap.

“I love Santa Claus,” the girl said.

Tremblay, a single mother, also said the event made her holiday a little better.

“Santa Claus isn’t going to pay a very big visit to our house,” she said. “So this helps.”

Grandmother Pat Dotson brought her three grandchildren, Shannon, 12, Neal, 7, and Anthony, 2.

“Times are hard,” said Dotson, a 33-year resident. “Anything you can get for the children this time of year is appreciated.

“I decided to come because it sounded like a good deal: a happy time and to be with the children because that’s what Christmas is.”

Holding her 2-year-old daughter, Brittani, Gail Glendon, 36, a single mother of three, said, “It helps with the burden of getting some presents.”

Glendon, who receives government assistance to pay the bills, said there is no extra money to buy Christmas gifts.

“So every little bit helps,” Glendon said. “Without this, we probably wouldn’t have anything. We’re very grateful. I thank God for things like this. I don’t want my children to do without.”