Jan 3, 2004

Santa delivers teddy bears to Sacred Heart Community Service

Santa Claus surprised Sacred Heart Community Service (SHCS) on Dec. 18 with a gift of 1,700 red teddy bears for distribution at the annual Toy Box. The bears were actually gifts from Bay Area Bears for the 1,800 families that pre-registered for toys, books and stocking stuffers for more than 6,000 children. Sacred Heart Community Services is located at 1381 S. First Street at Alma.

“Thanks to Bay Area Bears, each child will receive a cuddly toy to keep warm,” said Amari Romero Vorwerk, executive director of Sacred Heart Community Service. “Bears are an expression of love and hugs, and that is what The Heart provides at this time of year.”
 
As the holidays approached, Sacred Heart Community Service also distributed more than 3,500 holiday meals to families in Santa Clara Valley. Each box included a turkey, ham or chicken, as well as fresh produce and dry goods. This year the need is greater than ever. SHCS is experiencing its busiest season in its 40-year history.

“We count on the generous contribution of so many in the community with financial contributions, food, blankets and toys, and of course the generosity of volunteer time,” says Romero Vorwerk. “If ever there was a time to be a good neighbor, it is now!”

Sacred Heart Community Service provides a wide variety of services—all at no charge—to help people become economically self-sufficient. It is a private nonprofit, nondenominational human service organization, serving people of all faiths, ages and ethnic backgrounds. SHCS relies on donations from the public to serve 1,500 to 2,000 customers every day, with the help of 27 FTE paid staff and 5,000 volunteers.

Bay Area Bears is a nonprofit organization, affiliated with the Bears of the World. Critters by the Bay, assisted in distributing candy and hugs to all the children.

Donations are always welcome at Sacred Heart, especially now that the holidays are over. Many people forget that those less fortunate need food and clothing throughout the year not just at holiday times. For donation information call 278-2179 or 278-2174.