Political Figures, Vietnam Vets and Spirit of Hope Award at 25th Annual Christmas in the Village

SAN DIEGO - Dec. 11, 2014 - PRLog -- Along with the fun family friendly atmosphere of strolling minstrels, carolers, live music, carnival rides, puppet shows and a parade at the Christmas in the Village event on La Mesa Boulevard, event goers will also witness Congresswoman Susan Davis and a representative for State Senator Joel Anderson in the festivities. Davis will appear in the parade and Anderson’s representative will present a Spirit of Hope Award.

Susan Davis, as stated on her website, “proudly represents California's 53rd Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives.”  She mentions a “deep commitment to improving her community and country.”

Susan purports to being “a strong advocate for military families.”  She lived overseas while her husband served in Japan in the Air Force during the final years of the Vietnam War.  She introduced The Equal Justice for Our Military Act, which will give all service members access to the Supreme Court.

Joel Anderson represents the citizens of San Diego and Riverside Counties in the thirty-sixth senate district.

A representative for the senator will present a Spirit of Hope award at the event.  The Spirit of Hope award, sponsored by the La Mesa Merchant’s Association and friends at Christ Lutheran Church, will go to Ondrea Hamlet, her mother Denise and the Volunteers at God’s Van Project. In December of 2011, eighteen-year-old Ondrea was struck by a car while attempting to catch a bus at a very busy intersection.  Ondrea suffered near fatal injuries including a massive traumatic brain injury.  She has fought her way back over the last 3 years, from a near vegetative state to being able to appear at the event.

The God’s Van Project for Ondrea will also be at the event.  They will be seeking donations for a Wheelchair Accessible Van (see attached picture) for Ondrea. No donation will be too small and every dollar raised will go to the purchase of the fully equipped van.

The La Mesa Village Merchants Association together with their friends at Christ Lutheran Church are sponsoring two booths in the vendor section on the west side of the event near the children’s rides area.  There will be a bucket brigade going down the parade route. Donations will also be accepted at their booths. Participants will have a chance to meet Ondrea and view the van.

The Christmas in the Village pre parade starts at 4:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday evenings, December 12 and 13, with the main event running from 5 to 10 p.m., on La Mesa Boulevard between Acacia avenue and Fourth street.

For more information go to www.lmvma.com.