$4300 in cash, food, hundreds of toys and gifts, distributed
at holiday ‘Gift of Giving’ and ‘Serve Our Community’ events
SANTA ANA, CA, January 10, 2021 /Neptune100/ — For hundreds of needy children and their parents handpicked by City of Santa Ana departments and community members to receive a special donation of cash, food, toys and other items during the holidays, 2021 is starting out on a happier note.
The acts of generosity and hope are part of the recent year-end “Gift of Giving” and “Serving Our Community (SOC) holiday events sponsored annually by the Assistance League of Santa Ana. The 2020 recipients benefitted from numerous generous donors who provided a total $4300 in cash, non-perishable groceries and food certificates and hundreds of toys and gifts.
The letters of gratitude from the families tell the story. Here are some samples of their sentiments:
-“Thank you for making our dreams come true in these difficult times.”
-“As a mother, I am very grateful for all that you kind people do for us and our children.”
-“I want to thank the people with generous hearts that gave us these gifts for me, my husband and family. We have gone through difficult times – lost job and family members infected with COVID-19. The truth is: if it wasn’t for you all, we would not have any gifts for our kids…”
-“You guys gave me another chance to be happy. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
And, according to Julie McNealy, Gift of Giving co-coordinator, “During this extremely challenging year, it was incredibly heartwarming to know that the spirit of the holidays lives on in the generosity of our donors and in the hearts of the families we serve.”
She added: “While this philanthropy has helped families for the past several years, this year became even more important as our central Santa Ana families have struggled with job loss, Covid-19 and crowded housing conditions. Some of the food given out had to be delivered because someone in the home was affected by Covid and all had to remain isolated.”
About ALSA
The Assistance League of Santa Ana is one of many nationwide league chapters with philanthropic programs that are based on its ability to identify local problems and deliver the right solutions. One of its most visible fundraising venues is its modern Thrift Shop at 1037 W. First Street in Santa Ana. In addition to the “Gift of Giving” and SOC events, other effective programs include its dental clinic for children, Operation School Bell which donates school uniforms to middle school students of the Santa Ana Unified School District, college scholarships, food drives and Community Outreach, designed to helps girls rescued from human trafficking, provide literacy initiatives, mentor scholarship winners and assist local social services agencies. Volunteers are always welcome and can call ALSA at (714) 543-1120 for more information on how to participate.
