By Tihut Tamrat, Contributing Writer
On December 14th from 11am-3pm, Global Empowerment Mission(GEM) along with JIREH Providers Inc., The Urban Collaborative Project, and Good 360, with other organizations around the community such as the YMCA, Blue Shield, the San Diego County Library, UC San Diego Health, San Diego Unified School District, and Friends of the Oak Park Library came to Porter Elementary School on 47th St. Part of the school was transformed for the event.
Recent survivors of the January 2024 Floods were treated to resources provided by these organizations that included groceries and household items from JIREH Providers Inc., books for children, prizes, health screenings, toys for the holiday season gifted by Hasbro, the toy company; and a variety of sandwiches handed out by holiday helpers!
There were over 700 families who registered to participate in this event.
“I’m glad we get to continue to put on this event and help where it’s needed. It’s wonderful to come out again and to be able to put a smile on kids’ faces this holiday season,” said Samantha Williams, Founder & Executive Director of JIREH Providers Inc.
With the help of Santa’s elves, kids were allowed to pick up three toys each at Santa’s Toy Workshop, pictures with Santa and Mrs. Claus, face painting, arts and crafts, hot cider, cocoa, and games, prizes! Holiday Sasquatch, the Grinch, and Gingerbread men even came around to joke and bring laughter to the kids, adding to the festive holiday spirit.
After a fun-filled day for families and kids, including Health and Wellness resources such as mental health crisis counseling and confidential disaster case management meetings, families are ready to take on the holiday season and any challenges it may bring.
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