Santa Ynez Chumash Tribe donates thousands to Toys for Tots campaign

SANTA YNEZ, Calif. - The Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians announced that it was donating $25,000 to the local Toys for Tots campaign at the Chumash Casino Resort last Friday.

The Tribe said they have designated one December concert since 2004 to bring awareness to the Central Coast Marine Corps Reserves Toys for Tots campaign.

During the Friday night concert, Kathy Marshall of the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians presented the $25,000 check to retired 1st Sgt. Soledad Kennedy, the Marine Corps League 1340 Toys for Tots Coordinator for Santa Barbara County, and 1st Vice Commander Nathaniel Taylor.

“Over the past 16 years, the support of the Santa Ynez Chumash has been very instrumental to the Toys for Tots program,” said Kennedy. “Their partnership with the Marine Corps League has continually provided monetary support to purchase toys and books for children in Santa Barbara County. Every child deserves a gift for Christmas, and because of the tribe’s annual donations, the Toys for Tots program in Santa Barbara County has flourished.”

This year's donation has brought the tribe's total contributions to Toys for Tots since 2004 up to $400,000.

The Toys for Tots campaign serves families in the Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo counties by partnering with local organizations like the Unity Shoppe, People Helping People, the Salvation Army, Community Action Commission, Tribal TANF Program and the Boys & Girls Club.

For more information and ways to donate to Toys for Tots, visit www.toysfortots.org.