By working in collaboration with Child Welfare Services and
partner agencies, CASA has been able to fill the “Christmas Wishes” of every
child in the court’s care due to abuse, neglect, or abandonment, and expanded
the gift drive this year to include children in need identified by partner
agency Fighting Back Santa Maria Valley, which included children who are in
foster care in this county, but from another county, and children who are
homeless or in high need of support.
Despite an increase of 21% in children who hoped to have their wishes filled, CASA had the joy of experiencing record-breaking donations made this year with 723 total gifts donated.
An additional $7,500 in cash and gift card donations also supported the effort, with a special fundraising effort by the “Bikes for Christmas” team including former CASA volunteer Leigha Peralta – Real Estate, Lompoc Grocery Outlet, and UA Local 114. Together they got creative to raise the funds to provide bicycles for 47 children and youth. The bikes were built by the UA Local 114 Plumbers and Pipefitters Union, led by Mike Lopez, and then held on display by Toyota of Santa Maria.
