By Gustavo Prado and Sheryl Fitt
The Child Welfare Services Team has been busy working with community partners across Santa Barbara County this season, in the spirit of giving and collaboration on behalf of children and families. These efforts included Holiday Wish Lists, a Car Seat Campaign, and Meal Boxes. Read on to learn more!
Holiday Wish Lists
Together with the Santa Barbara County Court Appointed Advocates (CASA), the CWS team mobilized to collect individual Holiday Gift Wish Lists for all the children and youth served by CWS. The wish lists included items such as toys, bicycles, and clothing. CASA staff and volunteers dedicated many hours to fulfill each wish list by collecting and wrapping donations from many community partners. Through this collaborative effort, over 400 gifts for our children were delivered, spreading holiday cheer to all regions of the county and bringing smiles to many children.
Car Seat Campaign
The CWS Team joined over 17 community partners (including CHP, CHC, Dignity Health, Cottage Health, and the SMPD) to support the “Get Me There Safely” community event hosted on 12/1/22 by Children’s Resource and Referral of Santa Barbara County (CRR). The goal of Get Me There Safely was to provide families in the community with new child car seats and instructions on the safe installation and use of child safety seats. In addition, CWS provided logistical and promotional support, such as disseminating car seat safety protocols and community resources on social media. While CRR’s original goal was to receive 50 donated child safety seats, the combined effort of all partners led to CRR receiving 162 donated child safety seats given to community members.
Meal Boxes
In a yearly tradition of giving, the Santa Maria Elks Lodge donated 60 Meal Boxes to families working with CWS. Each meal box contained enough fresh veggies, holiday meal fixings, and turkeys for a family of four with leftovers. Meal box items were purchased and packaged by the SM Elks Lodge, and were picked up by CWS social workers and delivered to appreciative families in time for their holiday meals.
Conclusion
The CWS Team appreciates the opportunity to work with our community partners on behalf of our children and families. We extend our sincerest gratitude to everyone who worked together during this season of giving to spread hope and joy throughout our community.
Check out this photo album for memories of all three events.