Santa Barbara High School students bring holiday cheer to hopice center

Students from Santa Barbara High School brought Christmas cheer to the Sarah House, a non-profit offering end-of-life care for low-income residents.

The students and volunteers purchased a discounted tree from Anthony’s Christmas Trees at the Earl Warren Showgrounds. Then, they strung lights and hung ornaments on the tree in the living room.

“It was really exciting because I know the people living here are going to be happy,” said student Alexa Osti.

The eight people currently at the hospice don’t have much time left to live.

“For our residents, for all of them, this will be their last Christmas. They are not doing well,” said Sarah House administrator Paloma Espino.

Last year, the non-profit had a difficult time getting a tree because of finances and this year was going to be the same, until the students stepped in.

“This would not be possible if someone hadn’t asked, ‘What can I do?’ and that is how mostly everything begins,” Espino said.