Lompoc Unified School District’s (LUSD) Winter Grocery Basket distribution event on Dec. 18 turned out to be even more successful than anyone anticipated — so successful, in fact, that they quickly ran out of food.

“As many are aware, these are unique circumstances and we are doing our best to provide for all families in Lompoc,” said Hannah Carroll, director of Child Nutrition Services. “Unfortunately, due to the high volume of customers within the first hour of service, we ran out of food.

“We sincerely apologize if you were unable to pick up a free meal package,” she said.

The next day, an event hosted by the Food Bank, where families could pick up food at Lompoc High School, also ran out of supplies before everyone could be served.

What didn’t come up short was the holiday spirit as community members came together to gather donations, which were used to buy additional food, supplies and gifts. Families who left their names on Dec. 18 were then individually contacted and invited to pick up their baskets.

“Our staff continue to amaze me with their generosity, of time and spirit, for the betterment of our community. It is truly magical,” said Carmen Chavez, principal of Hapgood Elementary School, where the food was distributed.

The driving force behind this effort, Chavez said, was Maria Garcia-Cacique, Hapgood’s reading specialist, who contacted the Food Bank and Lompoc Valley Community Health Organization. LUSD supported the efforts by providing vans and drivers to pick up food from the Santa Maria Food Bank.

Some volunteers loaded and unloaded food from the vans, while others assisted in bagging items and distributing them to LUSD families.

“It has been proven time and time again, when there is a need in the community, Lompoc organizations and caring individuals join together to make it happen for the kids,” said LUSD Superintendent Trevor McDonald.