Doing good in Claremont

Here’s a note from reader Sharon Williams in response to Sunday’s column on the Claremont Village Expansion, and with a holiday theme yet:

“Dear Mr. Allen,

“I really enjoyed your article about Claremont in Sunday’s paper. I grew up in Ontario and moved to Claremont nine years ago. I agree that the current Claremont is not the Claremont I remember.

“However, I would like share a special project that my son’s local school is doing this holiday season. My son attends Chaparral Elementary School in Claremont. As a school, we have adopted four local families to provide needed items.

“Over 170 paper ornaments were placed on a holiday tree inside the school office. Each ornament listed an item needed for a particular member of each family. Chaparral parents and staff members selected an ornament, bought the item, and returned it wrapped. As of last week, all of the ornaments were taken. The Chaparral PFA will deliver the presents this Friday [i.e., today — DA] to our adopted families.

“The generosity and benevolence of the Chaparral Family exemplifies the real Claremont this holiday season. The Chaparral office is overflowing with presents every day. My son and I have to remove some of the presents every day just so people can enter the office.

“Yes, the new Claremont ads for the Village seem a bit ‘self absorbed.’ However, our principal, Lori Kerns, has taught us that the holiday season is about giving and looking out for those in need. Mrs. Kerns and the Chaparral Family have allowed several families to experience a happier holiday season.

“I wish you a wonderful holiday season!

“Sincerely,

“Sharon Williams, Parent and PFA Member.”

Looks like the real Claremont is alive and well, its heart, shall we say, expansive.

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