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Safe and Sane Fireworks sales expected to help nonprofits in Santa Maria survive COVID-19 impact

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SANTA MARIA, Calif. - Enrique Velasquez is proud to be part of the Santa Maria Victory Outreach Men’s Home. "It's really important where Jesus gave me my life back. I mean, I had nothing before when I came into the home."

But since the COVID-19 pandemic, the men’s program affiliated with the Victory Outreach Church is struggling to receive financial support like many nonprofits.

Organizer Joe Ward with the Victory Outreach Men's Home says he is relieved firework sales are allowed this year. "We’re so glad that we’re going to be able to sell fireworks because we literally depend on the finances that are raised when we do fireworks sales because they help our free rehabilitation home for men."

Because the program lost so many donations during the pandemic, they’re hoping money earned from fireworks sales will keep the doors open at the men’s home.

“I am also a product of the rehabilitation, you know. I was in there for a period of time and it allows individuals to have another chance of life and give them hope so when the community pours into this kind of purpose we’re actually able in return to support the community back,” said Jacob McArthur with the Santa Maria Victory Outreach Men's Home.

Mark Van De Kamp with the City of Santa Maria said that, while the fireworks show is canceled, their hope is that nonprofits in the city will benefit from the sale of safe and sane fireworks. "The fireworks booths are very important fundraisers for our nonprofits. They can raise several thousand dollars in a week that goes right back into the community."

The Sale of Safe and Sane Fireworks from local city-registered booths will begin at 12 p.m. on June 28th.

Article Topic Follows: Community

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Patricia Martellotti

Patricia Martellotti is a reporter for News Channel 3-12. To learn more about Patricia, click here.

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