Adam’s Angels volunteers get to work before rain

SANTA BARBARA, Calif.-During the pandemic Adam McKaig created the nonprofit to help people in need and the all volunteer organization is still going strong.

Volunteers meet on Monday nights in Santa Barbara to fill bags with the things people without shelter need.

With rain in the forecast, those needs include survival equipment, food, clothing and toiletries.

"We have loaded up on jackets and rain panchos." said McKaig.

They also give out sleeping bags when they have them.

McKaig said those items won't go in the food bags, they will be handed out separately to the people who without shelter.

"We will go out the day before the rain along with Showers of Blessings and Doctors Without Walls and we will hand them out to our guests without shelter."

All of the items were donated or purchased thanks to financial contributions.

McKaig, who is a real estate agent by day, has been joined by volunteers who enjoy giving back to the community as much as he does.

He wears a hoodie with, "providing volunteer help for community members in need," on the back.

One well-dressed woman gave him a box of cookies as a thank you.

"She said, 'You may not have noticed, but two months ago you gave me food, clothing, shelter and with that food, clothing and shelter I got a job as a legal secretary and now I am giving back.'"

Some volunteers know what it is like to be without.

Volunteer John Thomas gives out socks every week at a park on Thursdays.

"One of the two [or three] things they need the most is underwear in the wintertime, rain gear and socks," said Thomas.

It took about 30 minutes for volunteers to fill 240 bags that become care packages.

"I can do that" is their volunteer motto. Dave Sommers learned it the nonprofit was started during the pandemic shutdown.

"This is an 'I can do that' movement. We are helping out some people and everyone here says 'I can do that to help,'" said Sommers.

The grassroots welcomes new volunteers and donations.

Many of them say giving back feels good because it gives them purpose and a chance to feel productive.

Some are retired, others help after work.

They feel appreciated.

For more information visit https://www.adamsangels-sb.org