December 19, 2010
Christmas season is about giving more than it is about receiving. The SimplyHelp foundation distributed 3200 gifts to more than 2000 low-income and homeless families on Sunday, December 19 2010 at the LA County Arboretum located in Arcadia, CA.
Volunteers started prepping and loading the gift bags onto trucks at 6 AM in the morning. The gifts were ready for distribution by 8am.
Atypical for Southern California, the day was marked by heavy rains and minor flooding. But despite the cold, wet weather and the fact not a single volunteer escaped becoming wet by the often torrential downpours, volunteers maintained a cheerful spirit and a passion for giving. Divided into 2 shifts, one for morning and one for the afternoon, they tirelessly manned the tables, assisted patrons and helped keep the area as dry as possible until every last gift had been distributed to needy families.
The Christmas gifts bags included toys, clothings, sports equipment and stationary – something for everyone during a season when even such modest gifts are out of reach for the poorest families. There was also a Santa present on site helping to bring grins to the faces of the hundreds of children who arrived hoping for a glimpse and maybe a wish fulfilled.
SimplyHelp is thankful for such opportunities to distribute gifts and bring holiday cheer to families in need. There were smiles all around – especially with the children. The event concluded around 6:30PM. The staff, the volunteers and crew were tired but left with a deep feeling of satisfaction.
