Heroes help kids feel special, shop for their families at Poway event

Dozens of police officers, FBI agents, U.S. Marines, firefighters and other men and women in uniform gathered at the Poway Community Center in the late afternoon of Dec. 11.

For the next several hours, they gave their time to make local students feel extra special at the annual Poway Kiwanis Holiday with Heroes event.

Officer Ko Luangamath, who has been with the San Diego Police Department for over nine years, marked his second year volunteering at the event.

“Seeing all this and giving back — it’s a good feeling,” said Luangamath, adding that he was born in Laos and didn’t have access to programs like this growing up, though he wishes he had.

Months of preparation by Kiwanis gave 150 deserving students from three Title I schools — Pomerado, Valley and Midland elementaries — in Poway Unified School District the opportunity to share a two-hour holiday experience with a local hero. 

The evening began with students and their heroes picking out gifts for the students’ families from tables stocked with hundreds of brand-new items, including perfume for moms, tool kits for dads, and games and puzzles for siblings. 

“We created an on-site store with close to 1,400 items for the students to select as gifts for their family members,” said Beth Galloway, past president and secretary of Poway Kiwanis.

Students and heroes played a giant Candyland game, decorated cupcakes together, and enjoyed a festive courtyard atmosphere complete with popcorn, hot chocolate, and snacks, all while a DJ played holiday songs. 

Students also received a special gift handpicked just for them by their hero. In addition to getting their presents wrapped by volunteers, students departed for the evening with a bag full of essential items including bath towels, socks, hygiene necessities, blankets and more — all donated by local businesses and organizations. 

Many returning and first-time volunteers were in attendance to help bring joy to the local students.

For 18-year Poway Reserve Ranger Dianne Kurtock, returning to volunteer at Holiday with Heroes for her fourth year was an easy choice.

“(The Kiwanis) were kind enough to invite me to this wonderful, happy, joyous event,” Kurtock said. “The kids get so much out of it.”

She noted that the highlight of her evening was helping her student pick out gifts for their family.

Staci Reidinger, a retired U.S. Marine, was volunteering for the first time. She learned about the opportunity through the Poway Chamber of Commerce, having recently joined the chamber as the executive director of Cause San Diego — a nonprofit that helps organizations implement social impact strategies.

Reidinger shared that her own daughters — one adult and one 6-year-old — have “more than enough,” which motivates her to help those less fortunate.

For FBI Special Agent Mahra Whitelock, returning for her second Holiday with Heroes was a natural fit. Before joining the FBI two years ago, Whitelock spent 12 years as an elementary school teacher. 

“I love kids and also love working with the local community,” Whitelock said.

Included in the volunteer roster was local royalty, with newly crowned Poway Rodeo Queen Kate Richardson stepping out for her second official event since earning the title last month.

“I’m looking forward to meeting everyone in Poway — there are so many new faces, Richardson said. “With this being my first year at the event, I’m excited to help.”

Dozens of officers from the San Diego Police Department’s Community and Youth Services Division— launched last year to build positive connections between officers and residents — volunteered as heroes.

Officer Travis Easter has spent 16 years with the SDPD. Being a part of community events like Holidays with Heroes is important, Easter said.

“It helps us to strengthen bonds between law enforcement and the community by going out directly to schools and other events,” he said.

Officer Kailey McGurrell has been with the department for five years and was also a first-time event volunteer. She said she gets joy using her position in law enforcement to help others — a trait she learned from her mother.

“My mom is a second grade teacher who inspires me to give back to my community,” McGurrell said.

Officer Walker Thurston, who has been with the department for five years, said this was his first time volunteering at Holiday with Heroes. He said he enjoys working with kids and helps out at several elementary schools in the San Diego area.

“I’m the first one to be out at community events, and when I heard about this one, I jumped at the opportunity to be a part of it,” Thurston said.