Santa Barbara County Residents Break Record In 2022 With Annual Gift Drive for Foster Youth

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SANTA BARBARA COUNTY, CA – With the uncertainty that a difficult economy can bring, CASA of Santa Barbara County was not sure if they were going to be able to meet the increased need this year with their annual “Christmas Wishes” gift drive. Our community, however, had different ideas, and 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 our “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 until they were given to the kids. “Without Toyota of Santa Maria, I am not sure what we would have done” Kim Colby Davis, Executive Director of CASA of Santa Barbara County said. “We figured we had to make it happen somehow because when a child wants a bike, we want to see that happen – fresh air, sunshine, activity – all great for the kids. But we don’t have the kind of space that it would take to coordinate almost 50 bikes! Toyota of Santa Maria is such a great partner with us, and kindly lent us space on their showroom floor!” David LeRoy, General Manager of Toyota of Santa Maria shared “We absolutely love hosting the CASA Kids Christmas. It is an honor and a privilege to serve these kids in any way that we can. We display all of the bikes that were donated to the kids the entire month of December. Our customers love looking at all of the bikes lined up in our showroom with bows and tags for the CASA kids. I think it helps remind all of us that there are those in our community who need a tremendous amount of support all year long, not just at Christmas. We sincerely appreciate CASA, the advocates, donors, and volunteers. They all do  incredible work in our community.”