It started a decade ago with four girls, hot chocolate and good intentions. Today, the Hot Chocolate Sale has become an annual holiday tradition in Point Loma. This year, the altruistic bunchwill strive help a local family whose teenage son is grappling with bone cancer. The charity stand on Garrison Street will be serving up holiday treats from 5 to 9 p.m. Friday, Dec. 18. “The girls all set up the table and have it decorated with lights,” said Carrie Ybarra, mother of hot chocolatier Jessica Ybarra. “They make their own signs and they all sit out there and have their own position.” For the past 10 years, Jessica Ybarra, Emily Ferdyn, Adriana Pickering and Meghan Zander have run the stand, with proceeds going to various charities. Last year’s event raised a personal record $1,400 for Childrens Hospital. “It’s always been for charity and done with that in mind,” Ybarra said. This year, the girls hope to shatter that record by raising $2,000. All proceeds will benefit the family of Matt Alcantara, a Point Loma High School sophomore who is battling osteosarcoma, a type of bone cancer. “Their family is known for always giving to the community and I think it’s time we give back to them,” Ybarra said. “Especially during such a difficult time in their lives with their son going through this process.” The hot chocolate stand is located at 3701 Garrison St. Hot chocolate with garnishes, which include sprinkles and marshmallows, will be sold for $1 along with assorted baked goods. Patrons can then take their holiday treats and enjoy the annual holiday light extravaganza on Garrison Street that draws people from across the city. “It’s an opportunity for people to give during this time of year to a special family that most of them know,” Ybarra said. “The family is so sweet. They are the nicest family in the world.”








