Bringing Christmas Cheer To Mission Viejo: Local Hero

ORANGE COUNTY, CA — When times are tough, heroes emerge. We all know someone who's making a difference right now as we live through unprecedented and changing times.

Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these heroes making a difference in their communities. We’re working to let all your neighbors know about these outstanding people and their stories.

This submission comes from Greg and Elaine Kubela who nominated William "Bill" Hatch of Mission Viejo.

Local hero’s full name

William "Bill" Hatch

Local hero’s home state

California

Local hero’s Patch

Mission Viejo

How do you know the local hero?

Bill is a long time neighbor of ours.

What does the local hero do?

Bill brings the Christmas spirit to our community by organizing and leading the annual Christmas Car Parade in Mission Viejo, celebrating it's 25th year in 2022. This event is approved and coordinated with the city and advertised to the participants and to the people along the parade route.

Participants of the parade come from far and wide and anyone is welcome to participate. The community looks forward to the parade going through the neighborhood with over 25 decorated vehicles with treats thrown out to the viewers lined along the parade route.

Afterwards, a potluck is held outside in front of his cul de sac street home that goes into the night. The people of Mission Viejo look forward to this annual parade and it wouldn't be possible without Bill, the originator and founder of the Mission Viejo Annual Christmas Car Parade.

Why do you believe the local hero should be recognized or honored?

Bill has organized the annual car parade out of the goodness and joy in his heart. He doesn't ask or want anything in return for all the work he does. It is an enormous job to put this event on and he does it with the support and help from his wife, Liz.

What's one thing you want everyone to know about the local hero?

Bill is a very thoughtful and caring person and I believe he does this to bring people together to share the joy he has for Christmas with his family, friends, neighbors and the community

Thank you for all you do, Bill Hatch!

This content is brought to our community in partnership with T-Mobile.

Know someone making a difference in town?

Nominate them here.