During times like these, the community in Santa Clarita is coming together to help those in need.
Especially right now, during COVID-19 many organizations and Facebook groups are playing a big role in supporting all members of the community.
These are just some of the many ways local residents are helping contribute to citizens’ needs.
Some local groups include SCV Neighbors in Need, Love SCV and Rally Round SCV.
Rally Round SCV helps contribute to almost all of the local groups.
“Our intent is to help those who are critically struggling to put food on their table for themself or their family,” Megan Martin, member of Rally Round SCV, said. “We are also looking out for seniors and immune compromised individuals who are in need of assistance.”
With just over 20 volunteers, over 100 care packages were able to be made for members of the community who needed it most.
“Demands are constantly increasing. We cannot always meet the demands, that’s why it’s so important we’re all here for one another,” Martin said. “ SCV community members, businesses, nonprofits, etc., all need to look out for each other as needs shift with every resource stream.”
The group, Love SCV is also using their efforts to help the community during this difficult time.
“As it turns out, Rally Round has complemented our work by delivering packages, FREE of charge, to families that we knew that were in need,” Susan Christopher, Executive Director of Love SCV, said. “The needs are great and they are growing as a result of job loss and sickness. Having one more organization on line ready to collaborate and help other organizations, not just compete with them, has been so refreshing and so needed.”
The dedication and willingness of these local community members would not be possible without the help from volunteers, and the power of working in groups.
“Our greatest impact so far, would have to be our Front Porch Food Drive,” Lesley Vennero, Co-Founder of the group SCV Neighbors in Need, said. “Every two weeks, we invite residents of Santa Clarita to donate shelf stable food to support our local pantries, and our SCV Neighbors in Need members volunteer to safely pick up donated items at homes throughout the valley, and sort everything that‘s received”