Lifestyle

On March 30, local law enforcement, the fire department, and citizens of Pittsburg banded together to give a young boy a birthday he wouldn’t forget. Alex Villalobos was turning five years old, and his mother, Carol, wanted to do something truly special for him. With a traditional birthday party not in the cards due to necessary social distancing, she took to Facebook to ask for help. The community heard her plight and answered her. As she and her family stood in front of the Cypress Basin Hospice store, little Alex was thrilled to see the turnout just for him. City police and county vehicles entered the parking lot in a single file line, flashing their lights, and a firetruck followed. Local citizens came next, each with a sign or banner on their car for Alex, and most with a gift. Alex excitedly ran to each vehicle for a birthday greeting or to retrieve his pres-ents. Carol Mariscal live-streamed the experience on Facebook and profusely thanked all involved, saying, “All of yall went above and beyond for my baby boy. His facial expression was priceless! I can’t thank yall enough. Thank you for making his birthday extra special.”

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“To be able to go out to the nursing home and sit outside and talk with my mother through the glass. I just have a wonderful time with her. Of course, it’s always to wake up in the morning and thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.”