Lancaster, CA - Help us celebrate 10-years of assisting children, families and individuals in need in the Antelope Valley.
The Marco and Sandra Johnson Foundation and the University of Antelope Valley continue to show their commitment to our community by hosting its 10th Annual “Caring for the Community” event on Saturday, December 10, 2016, at the UAV Sierra Highway campus.
The year was 2007. George W. Bush was president, California Discovery takes off for a 14-day mission to the International Space Station, Al Gore received the Nobel Peace Prize, BeyoncĂ© Knowles' "Irreplaceable" was the best-performing single of the year — and the Oscar goes to: The Departed.
On a cold 2007 December morning, during the Lancaster Christmas Parade, Marco and Sandra Johnson and their two children were walking up and down Lancaster Blvd. passing out flyers inviting anyone who needed a hot holiday meal and a toys for their small children to join them at the university. Marco and other UAV staff drove vans to a homeless shelter and offered rides to anyone interested.
Beginnings were humble, approximately 20-30 people were served the first year, food was left uneaten and toys left unwrapped. Year-after-year word spread, “The food is delicious, service is outstanding and Santa is always there.”
Last year, 2015, the foundation, UAV staff and employees and volunteers served a holiday meal with all the trimmings to over 2,000 attendees and more than 2,500 toys distributed as well as much needed warm clothing. “It was a wonderful day all around, but the most memorable part for me was seeing the joy on the faces of the parents and their children, as they sat with Santa and received gifts,” stated UAV Banquet Manager Pam Mazor. “Whether it was a doll or a bike, the way the children’s eyes lit up was so inspiring, and I think we all walked away that day feeling the true holiday spirit.”
The Caring for the Community annual meal service and toy/clothing distribution has exceeded all expectations. The community rose to the occasion, more than 100 volunteers enlisted and approximately 550 articles of clothing including jackets, jeans, hats, gloves, blankets, socks and other winter wear was donated for families in need.
How Can You Help?
Catering to the needs of our community is an extensive undertaking that would not succeed were it not for the support of city leaders, LA County Sheriff, California Highway Patrol, Wal-Mart, members of our community and local businesses coming together to help make this event possible.
UAV is accepting donations of new or very gently worn and freshly cleaned winter coats, blankets and accessories, un-opened toys and non-perishable food items. Please deliver to the UAV campus front lobby until December 9, 2016.
University of Antelope Valley
44055 N. Sierra Highway
Lancaster, CA 93534
Those interested in volunteering time, please contact Ashley Clutter or Laura Bishop at (661) 726-1911 x126 or via email at caring@uav.edu
