Carson, CA - The holidays are a time for giving and the Operation Santa program sponsored by the Rotary Club of Carson Gardena Dominguez embraced the opportunity by providing toys and gift certificates to 103 children
The majority of students were between 6 to 10 years of age but the program also included others within the family so that no child was missed. The initial plan was to help 80 children, 40 each from the Carson and Gardena communities. As outreach began with the Los Angeles Unified School District, the need to help was greater than imagined. Additional students were identified who were homeless, many the result of COVID-19 impacts, their temporary shelter being a motel or a place to sleep with a family member or friend. There was no question that these especially needy children should be included in the Operation Santa program.
With contributions from Rotary members, local businesses, LAUSD staff and Golden State Water Company, the $4,600 in contributions were strategically used by “Secret Santas” to buy gifts large and small. Gift cards were a new focus this year to address the increased need for groceries, essentials and a hot meal at local restaurants.
“The holidays were made a little nicer with the thoughtful choices of gifts, toys and sweets combined with gift cards to help our local families experiencing financial difficulties” said Sheri Repp Loadsman, the club’s President-Elect and Operation Santa program coordinator. “We appreciated the help and coordination from the Los Angeles Unified School District and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Station in Carson to identify families needing assistance and providing a safe location for pick up of the holiday bags.”