Camels Meet Cars at Drive-Thru Nativity

There was a recent camel sighting near La Paz Road.

A few other furry critters were spotted, too, along with angels and wise men, all part of the drive-thru Nativity at , 24772 Chrisanta Drive. 

Cars and pedestrians traveled slowly along a designated road to view scenes from the Nativity, which featured live animals, actors and decorated sets.  Boy Scouts from Troop 661 assisted with traffic control and in the collection of money and canned food that will be donated to South County Outreach.

South County Outreach was created by Ray Havert in 1989.  The nonprofit, nonsectarian organization assists the homeless and hungry by providing groceries.  Ken Carpenter of South County Outreach stated that the organization gives out 4,000 pounds of food per day to those in need.  It averages out to about a million pounds of food per year.  SCO assists approximately 1,200 families a month.  

"There are about 130 new families a month" who need assistance, he said. "And that's a number I hate."

South County Outreach offers housing assistance.  They also have an upscale retail store located at 23501 Ridge Route in Laguna Hills which raises funds for programs. In addition, SCO offers help in Homeless Prevention.  SCO has a computer lab where folks can take classes in life training skills to get back on their feet.

"The success rate is very high," Carpenter noted.

Bob Ashe-Everest, of Mount of Olives, has been in charge of the drive-thru Nativity. 

When asked how he got the job, he replied, "I'm handy.  I was willing to help a long, long time ago.  It's been about 10 or 12 years.  I am now C.N.O." That's Chief Nativity Officer.

Starting in the middle of November, the church takes the names of those who would like to participate as actors in the production.  There are 200 actors who have 30 minute shifts.  They all are happy to donate their time for such a worthy cause.

About 200 cars per hour come through on Friday night and 800 cars per hour on Saturday, along with hundreds of pedestrians.  People riding in cars can enjoy the sound of Mr. Paul Schmidt's voice as he announces the Nativity story over FM radio.  At the end of the "trail," viewers can donate canned food.  This year, seven 55-gallon barrels of food were collected.  Any monetary gifts collected defer some of the cost of the rented animals and props.  Folks from the Giddy Up Ranch transport camels, donkeys, goats, and sheep from Phelan, CA, near Victorville. 

Many, many people are involved in the production.  Pat Rucker created the costumes and passed on the chief costuming position to her granddaughter Samantha.  Dee Strubb, whom Ashe-Everest described as "Darling Dee," recently passed away, but years ago she painted most of the sets for the Nativity.

Lisa Staab was walking along the Nativity route, holding her 2-year-old daughter Reese.  Reese wanted to pet the sheep and was amazed by the camel.   

Boy Scout Troop 661 and Mount of Olives help out each other.  The young men use the church for their meetings, and in return, they assist with the Drive-thru-Nativity.  Some Scouts acted as traffic monitors.  On duty, at the end of the trail, were Scouts Jake Park and Eli Roman.  They collected canned goods and monetary gifts.  They were also offering candy canes and warm holiday wishes to all viewers.

To contact South County Outreach, call 949-380-8144. 

To contact Mount of Olives Lutheran Church, call 949-929-7625.