Adam’s Angels helping others in the community, looking for more in need

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - What started as a social media post to help others with a little shopping has turned into a unique essential needs distribution team.

From the fragile seniors in our community to those living on the street, help is arriving daily.

The project was started by realtor Adam McKaig. He asked on Facebook if anyone needed items while he was at the store, especially the elderly and most vulnerable.

"I posted if anyone wanted me to pick up some groceries for them, I would be happy to. And that took off," said McKaig. He drives some days from Goleta to Oxnard and back to Santa Barbara.

He had several requests, and friends told friends. Within a day or two there was a delivery and a big sigh of relief. McKaig graciously accepts cash for the items, but if someone doesn't have the means, he covers it.

For now, he is trying to run the project from a basic good hearted plan.

His friends, however, and those who didn't even know him, are now coming in to help provide goods and be part of the distribution.

The group is called Adam's Angels and a website is in the works.

A new command post is the back patio at EOS nightclub where McKaig, club owner Bix Kaufman, and close friend Jeff Clark have created areas for different items. It's the next step in the growing response.

"Again there was a need. But instead of running away from the fire I am running into it," said McCaig.

One site is clothing, another is health goods.

Bags full of sanitizers, soap, masks, gloves, and a COVID-19 information sheet are assembled.

One was given out to a homeless man just a few steps from the front door. He looked over the gift, took a clean shirt, and thanked the "angels" for the generous donation.

Bob Curry said it makes a big difference for him.

Curry did not have a mask or gloves. He said he and has been living without permanent shelter for 16 years.

"Times are tough. But they'll get better," said Curry optimistically.

One of the supporters who sorted clothing and packed bags said it meant a lot to her to be able to help those she didn't even know.

"I think I am very lucky to live in a place like this.   I feel very happy to see everyone participating like this," said Michele Higgins who was filling bags of health care items.

Inside there were face coverings, gloves, soaps and "here we have face masks, we've got basically the health rules for COVID-19, like wear a mask wash, your hands often don't touch your eyes," said Rachel McInerney.

All of the volunteers had face masks and gloves on.

Any extra clothing will be donated to another cause.

For more information go to: Adam's Angels