Family Matters Club wraps up busy festive month

The Canyon Lake Family Matters Club had a busy and fulfilling December, engaging in various festive activities, including receiving and answering letters to Santa and wrapping and delivering gifts for local children. The club’s elves worked tirelessly to ensure that every child’s wish expressed on their letter was heard and fulfilled.

Beginning with the collection of Santa letters, the club’s elves read through hundreds of letters from the kids of Canyon Lake. They then carefully selected gifts, either from the children’s wish lists or handpicked to suit each child’s preferences. In a massive effort, the club wrapped over 150 gifts and dedicated over a week to delivering these presents, spreading joy and cheer among the community’s children.

This display at 29805 Santa Maria Dr. won two of the Canyon Lake Family Matters Holiday Decorating Contest awards for Best Theme (Santa is Coming to Town) and Residence Choice. Isaiah McKinnon, 11, hangs out in the well-lit yard.Photo by Aprile DeAnne McKinnon

Additionally, the club expressed gratitude to participants in its Holiday Home Decorating Contest.

“Everyone did an outstanding job,” Club Founder Shawna Bowen said. “We wish we could declare everyone a winner, but we can’t. Everyone did a phenomenal job, and we are excited to see what this amazing community brings next year to the contest.”

Jeannie Hoonirun also acknowledged the difficulty the judges faced due to the high quality of entries and thanked them for their dedication.

“We had three categories along with residence choice,” Jeannie Hoonirun said. “It was a hard decision for our judges, and the club wants to thank not only those who participated but to our judges as well. We appreciate the time they took to judge.”

This house and the one below were among the dozens which were decked out this year for the Family Matters Holiday Lights Contest. Dozens of homes were considered for the awards the club gave out after the judging over the past weekend. Photo by Aprile DeAnne McKinnon

The winners of this year’s Holiday Home contest were announced, with accolades given in various categories. The Theme Award, 29805 Santa Maria Dr. for their theme of Santa is Coming to Town. First Time Entry Award is 10020 Red Setter Place and Merry and Bright Award goes to 30437 Emperor Dr. Residence Choice Award is 29805 Santa Maria Dr.

The club is inviting children to a holiday craft event at the Eastport Building on Dec. 31, at 1:00 p.m. as part of the club’s year-end celebration.

Looking forward to 2024, Shawna expressed excitement for future activities planned for the Canyon Lake community.

“Family Matters would like to thank the community for all their support throughout this year and we are excited for the upcoming 2024 year,” Shawna said. “We are looking forward to bringing lots of fun activities to the community of Canyon Lake.”

Jeannie highlighted the importance of community support, which enables the club to give back generously.

“Without the donations and support at our events, from the community of Canyon Lake, we wouldn’t be able to give back like we do,” Jeannie said. “Family Matters looks forward to being able to give back even more in 2024.”

This cheerful front yard display at 30437 Emperor Dr. won the Merry and Bright Award of the Canyon Lake Family Matters Club Holiday Decoration Contest. Photo provided by Nicole Taylor

Dawn Rankins shared her gratitude for being part of the club and the Canyon Lake community.

“Thank you, Canyon Lake, for giving us the opportunity to bring fun events to the community,” Dawn said. “It’s a real pleasure to be a part of this amazing club. It is one of the greatest experiences I’ve been a part of.”

Family Matters was created to experience all the wonderful things Canyon Lake has to offer with low-cost family-friendly events.

“Our aim is building a community, one family at a time,” Shawna said. “Canyon Lake is the best community in all of southern California and Family Matters is proud to be a part of this unique and wonderful place.”