Paso girl makes Christmas wishes come true
Jessica McMahon enjoys her role as Santa’s Helper for those in need
When Jessica McMahon was just 3 years-old, she asked for her mom’s help in making another family’s Christmas wish come true. Five years later, this generous and thoughtful young lady from Paso Robles continues to spread her kindness as she brings joy and excitement to those in need.
Jessica McMahon, an 8 year-old third-grader at Kermit King Elementary School, sits among some donations of toys, blankets, coats, and more for needy children and their families in the Paso Robles area as part of her Mission Secret Santa. Photo by Meagan Friberg.
“We had some friends who lost their house when I was a little girl and I wanted to make sure they had some presents,” Jessica said.
Jessica’s mom, Andrea, explained further.
“Our friends hit some tough times and their house fell into foreclosure,” Andrea said. “Jessica knew they could no longer be in their home. She didn’t understand everything, but she wanted to make sure they were able to get some gifts.”
“I was worried Santa wouldn’t be able to find them,” Jessica said.
“I explained to her that there are many children and adults who are unable to enjoy Christmas or get presents under the tree,” Andrea said. “This little 3 year-old looks at me and says, ‘Oh, Mommy, we have to do something to help them.’ And at that moment Jessica decided she wanted to become one of Santa’s helpers.”
Jessica’s mom, Andrea, kisses her daughter as she shares her story of giving to those in need. Photo by Meagan Friberg.
That very same year, Jessica filled 67 stockings with toys and other goodies that she collected through family, friends and local business owners. Now an 8 year-old third-grader in Mrs. McGuffin’s class at Kermit King Elementary School, she has been collecting donations of toys, blankets, coats, and more for needy children and their families as part of this year’s Mission Secret Santa theme. In years past, giving themes have run the gamut of Books, Winter Wear, Family Fun Night and Santa’s Stockings.
For Mission Secret Santa, Jessica spearheaded efforts to sponsor families from Paso Robles. She approached family, friends, local business owners and private citizens to help with the cause. The response has been overwhelming – from cash, toys, clothing and blankets to gift certificates for food, shoes, and entertainment – the outpouring of support helps to bring back the true meaning of Christmas.
“Her efforts have been growing over the years and she has become quite well-known in the local business community for knocking on doors and asking for donations for those in need,” Andrea said. Some of those businesses include Viborg Sand & Gravel (Debby Viborg), KC Construction, Hinds Financial Group, Shelli Maldonado, and Kennedy Club Fitness.
When all was said and done, Jessica put together Christmas packages for the families that included 15-20 presents for each child and gifts for their parents as well. Said Jessica’s dad, Darren, “Our family could not do what we do without the help of the entire community. We all act together as a whole – the businesses, local residents, friends and family.”
The time commitment is large as well. A few weeks ago, Jessica, along with her cousins, Seth and Karley Maldonaldo, began the task of wrapping all those presents.
Jessica and her parents gather donations throughout the community, including businesses, local residents, friends and family, to spread Christmas joy to needy families. Photo by Meagan Friberg.
“One night we wrapped 117 and the next night we wrapped up 136,” Andrea said. “It’s been really, really busy around this house!”
When asked why she continues to collect for and donate to others each holiday season, Jessica was quick to answer.
“It’s important to remember others and I want them to feel happy on Christmas Day,” she said, “and I want them to get some presents under the tree. I like to think about the way they might be smiling when they see all of the presents. I hope that they feel surprised and blessed by what they receive.”
The surprise element is an important one.
“I always keep it is secret; I never tell anybody that I am the one that gave them presents,” Jessica said, looking to her mom for the right words.
“We’ve explained to her that those in need probably don’t really want others to know,” said Andrea, who grew up in a family where giving to others was encouraged. “It was always about the giving when I was a child and that’s how I want Jessica to grow up as well.”
That giving spirit goes all the way back to Jessica’s great grandmother, who used to take along her daughter, Andrea’s mom, as she filled up a red wagon and delivered food and gifts throughout the neighborhood.
“My grandma did things like this with my mom, and then my mom did the same with my two sisters and me,” said Andrea.
And so the tradition continues. What started as the simple Christmas wish of a 3 year-old girl has blossomed into an annual event that helps others throughout the community of Paso Robles. It’s been said that the best way to experience Christmas is through the eyes of a child – and the eyes of Jessica McMahon have been smiling brightly this holiday season as she thinks about the excitement and joy that her efforts will bring to other boys and girls.
“I feel very blessed and I can’t wait for Christmas morning,” said Jessica, “because I know that I will be so happy and I hope everyone else will be happy too.”
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