VIDEO: Santa, Volunteers Spread Holiday Cheer and Good Will

The spirit of giving was alive at the 32nd annual Santa Claus Comes to Westlake/Agoura & Beyond charity drive on Saturday. Hundreds of community volunteers gathered at the Agoura Hills  to help feed the hungry and spot the arrival of Santa Claus riding in on a .   

The event, organized by the Westlake Village Jr. Women's Club, was the culmination of a month-long food drive that began at local schools, businesses, churches and synagogues. One hundred and seventy needy families from Calabasas to Thousand Oaks will receive the donations for the holidays, according to program co-chair Judy Caparon.

While volunteers from the various Boy Scout and Girl Scout troops bagged canned goods, entertainment was provided by groups like the Agoura High Spirit Team, the Westlake Elementary School choir, Oak Park High Cheer Team and Lacombe Martial Arts.

Each year, someone locally is recognized for their courage and bravery against incredible odds. This year, Sarg. Mike Kelly of Oxnard, a 15-year member of the National Guard who fought in the Iraq war, was severely wounded by a roadside bomb explosion. He is currently being recommended for a Bronze Star, the Purple Heart and for the Meritorious Service Medal.

Volunteers waiting in cars took turns loading up their trunks with bagged goods to deliver to designated homes.

Helmed by the Westlake Village Jr. Women's Club since 2009, the event was originally founded by local resident and philanthropist George Annino and the Agoura Optimist Club in 1980 to brighten the holiday season for local families in need with surprise deliveries. Since then, the annual food drive has helped over 21,000 families.  

For highlights of the event, watch the video.