The California Lutheran University Community Service Center sponsored the “Adopt a Family” Drop Off Party on Dec. 4 in Ullman 101. The point of the program was to reach out to those in need and help them provide for their family during the holiday season by dropping off gifts.

The room was strung with lights and Christmas music played in the background as students and faculty enjoyed hors d’oeuvres and mingled with one another after giving their donations.

Victoria Butsky, a youth and education intern for CSC, was in charge of the event on campus.

“The overall purpose of this event is to pair up with a couple of agencies who work with underprivileged families with underprivileged kids,” Butsky said.

The three agencies Cal Lutheran teamed up with were Casa Pacifica, Kids & Families and Lutheran Social Services.

She said the CSC receives a list of families along with their wish lists. The families then get paired with the organizations who buy Christmas presents for them to make their holiday extra special.

“A lot of these families can’t afford to celebrate Christmas at all so the purpose [of the event] is to make the world a happier place,” Butsky said.

Brianna Duddy, a homelessness and poverty intern, said this is the most successful year for this event thus far, and this event has been happening since 2004.

“We had a lot of sign ups. This is the first year that we didn’t have to try to find more people to sponsor the children and families. . . It shows that people actually do care,” Duddy said. “Unfortunately there is always going to be people who are less fortunate and I think anyone can become a part of that situation at any time. We are a community so we should work together and help support each other.”

There was a table covered in toys for students to pick from to donate, as well as cards to sign for the children. This was to help the “Spark of Love” Toy Drive, which is sponsored by the Bachelor’s Degree for Professionals.

The Associated Students of California Lutheran University Programs Board was also at the drop off party because they adopted a family for the holiday season.

“We helped out with [the toy drive] and we set up the wrapping station as well,” said Ally Andrews, senior representative for Programs Board.

“I actually went shopping for the child that the Programs Board adopted, and that was really cool because you’re picking out something that someone is actually requesting. It makes it really personal. You almost get to know them by what they’re asking for,” Andrews said.

She said Programs Board was able to use some of their funds to shop for the child they adopted.

Santa Claus was also there to take pictures and spread holiday cheer among the people at the party.

“[The families] feel a sense of community around them. We want them to be happy and to celebrate Christmas,” Butsky said. “It’s the spirit of giving versus the sometimes consumerism that Christmas can take on. They can give their kids hope and give them a good experience.”

Isabel Kirsch

Staff Writer

Published December 10, 2014