United Way Donates Toys to Good Samaritan

Good Samaritan Shelter, which provides several homeless and recovery services in northern Santa Barbara County, including residence facilities, received a much needed donation of toys on Monday from United Way in Santa Maria.

“We are incredibly grateful to the United Way for always coming forward and getting us toys,” said Sylvia Barnard, Executive Director for Good Samaritan. “This is a great start for us, but we really need the community to come forward and help us with the rest of the kids to make sure that every child has a gift this Christmas.

United Way donates toys during the holiday season to a number of local agencies each year, including Good Samaritan.

“It’s really important for us to be part of the giving community, to be able to support members, families, children, especially those with nothing,” said Susana Cabrera, Special Projects Coordinator with United Way.

Barnard noted that Good Samaritan currently has 180 children within their various facilities, including several in Santa Maria and Lompoc.

“We really need gifts for all ages, but we mostly need gifts for babies. We have a number of babies within our shelter system and we just don’t get a lot of donated toys for them,” said Barnard.

Barnard also noted teenagers are in need this Christmas season. She suggested anyone interested in donating for teens purchase gift cards. Good Samaritan is also hoping to provide a gift for all of its adult clients as well. On Monday, the shelter received a clothing donation from Allan Hancock College.