Western University of Health Sciences recently issued the following announcement.
We are not letting COVID-19 stop this incredible event, especially on its 30th Anniversary! However, it will look very different this year, but there are still several ways you can get involved.
ABOUT THIS EVENT:
This December, WesternU’s Student Government Association (SGA) will host its 30th Annual Santa’s Workshop in partnership with the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) and University Student Affairs (USA). Historically, over 250 foster children and their families are invited to the WesternU campus for a traditional holiday meal, activities, entertainment and presents from Santa and Mrs. Claus. For many of the children in our program, this is their big gift for the season. Given the challenges that many families face due to the pandemic, we feel it is critical that as a University, with a mission built on compassion, humanism and caring, we must make this event happen; just in a new way. We need our incredible WesternU family’s help to make this holiday season special in the lives of our little guests.
HOW IT’S CHANGING:
In lieu of an on-campus event, social workers will deliver the personalized gifts to all children. Many families have difficulties with transportation so this ensures that all children on the list receive the gift purchased for them.
In addition to the personalized gifts, a small group of WesternU volunteers will assist in a drive-thru “celebration” at the DCFS main office to give away goodies like crafts, snacks, toys, etc. Any unclaimed items will go to the DCFS social workers for delivery to the families.
HOW YOU CAN BE INVOLVED:
Sponsor a Child
Every child on our list will receive a personalized gift. The social worker meets with the family to build the list and we need every child sponsored. Please click the link below to view the list of requested items. All gifts need to be delivered to campus by November 25, 2020, wrapped and labeled.
Giveaway Items
We know that not all children will be able to make the drive-thru event but we want to have the experience for them and we need giveaways.
Please consider donating times like:
Craft kits, small denomination gift cards, candy canes, packaged candy, crayons, coloring books, non-perishable food items. Any unclaimed items will go to the social worker for delivery to the individual homes.
E-mail studentaffairs@westernu.edu with your ideas.
Financial Contribution
Every dollar given will go towards helping provide gifts and giveaways for the event. Our goal is to raise $5,000 for 2020! Any unused funds for this year will be saved for future Santa’s Workshop events.
Make a gift online today! No amount is too small.
Santa’s Workshop started with the WesternU DO Class of 1994, read more about its beginnings here. Thank you for creating this incredible event.
This event is not a WesternU fundraising activity. Any monetary contributions or donated presents will directly benefit the children within the Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) system. In the event that a child does not attend, your generous gift donation will still benefit a child in need through a local charity.
Questions? Contact University Student Affairs | studentaffairs@westernu.edu
Original source can be found here.
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