Santa Claus has some great helpers here at EOC. Earlier this month, our Sanctuary and Youth Services program made some spirits bright in the economically stressed city of Orange Cove. Our 18 th Annual Making Spirits Bright event helped spread holiday cheer to 30 rural families, which included 105 children and 60 adult family members.

Held at the A.L. Conner Elementary School, school staff members identified economically disadvantaged families to participate. With the help of Santa himself and some partners – Anthem Blue Cross, London Properties, Macy’s, PG&E, U.S. Forest Service, and Wells Fargo – families were showered with a lavish holiday meal, gifts & stockings, a freshly cut Christmas tree delivered to their home, and ornaments and LED lights for festive decoration.

“Orange Cove’s unemployment rate is much higher than the State average, and many of these Orange Cove parents are seasonal workers working in the fields or local packing houses,” said Joe Martinez, Sanctuary’s Community Relations & Outreach Coordinator. “It’s a great feeling to come into this community and make a few children smile for the holidays.”

Families were awestruck at the event explained Gabriela Cazares, Principal of A.L. Conner Elementary School. Some families explained they didn’t know how they were going to buy presents this Christmas. One family - who was absent from the event - couldn’t attend because they had to sell their car at a local flea market to afford rent.

“One family stated that [Making Spirits Bright] was ‘like a dream’. The families were most appreciative,” added Cazares.

“I was impressed with the number of community volunteers that helped set-up, decorate, and serve lunches. With 66 community volunteers donating a total of 309 volunteer hours, it was truly a team effort,” said Michelle Tutunjian, Sanctuary Director.