More Than 1,300 Low-income Families Received Food, Toys and Clothes for the Holidays
Foothill Unity Center’s 2013 Holiday Distribution took place on Saturday, December 21st from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the Los Angeles County Arboretum with more than 1,300 “pre-qualified” low-income families receiving Holiday Food Packages. In addition, the parents of almost 1,800 children will receive toys and clothes to brighten their children’s holidays. These gifts were given out in opaque bags so that parents can wrap and present them to their children as part of their own family traditions. During the event children also were able to enjoy fun activities, and to take a photo a share their wishes with Santa.
These families have incomes at or below 150% of the Federal Poverty Line, and for many of them, hunger never takes a holiday. Although the economy is showing signs of improvement, it is very difficult for low-income households in this region to make ends meet with the high cost of housing and basic necessities. We anticipate a similar number of families will sign up to participate in this year’s Holiday Food Distribution event. Each family will be able to take home a food box, packed in accordance with the size of their household, containing all the essential ingredients for preparing a festive holiday dinner.
As with all the Center’s programs, this event is a community effort, supported by generous donations of food, funds and volunteer help from local individuals, businesses and organizations. Last year, more than #___ volunteers were on hand from organizations such as: Green Dot Corporation, Foothill Credit Union, Kaiser Permanente, LA Opinión, Simplicity Bank, Simply Help, Southern CA Gas Company, World Vision International, as well as many service clubs and churches.
As we’re gearing up to prepare for the final event of the year for our families, we ask for your support to help make a difference and bring joy and encouragement to others in need of help. Please consider making a cash donation online or drop in at our Monrovia or Pasadena location. It is only with the financial support of individuals and businesses in the community that this event is possible. If you are unable to make a cash donation, we encourage you to sign up to volunteer – we need help with sorting and packing in the days and weeks leading up to this year’s event, and we’ll definitely need lots of hands on deck during the event.