School Workers Aid 45 Needy Families

Oxnard Elementary School District employees have combined to raise about $10,000 and dozens of toys to help the families of 45 farm workers who were laid off before the holiday season.

Connie Sharp, the district’s assistant superintendent, said each of the families will receive a gift certificate of $75 to $100, depending on the size of the family, and every child will receive a toy.

“We have 120 children and their families who need our help,” Sharp said. “We received support from teachers union members, employees, parents and members of the community. Everyone wanted to donate gifts for the children. Every child will receive a really nice toy, and their families will receive gift certificates for food. There will be something for everyone this holiday season.”

Sharp said the idea to help the families came from conversations during the district management team’s annual holiday party, when each member of the team usually brings a toy to donate to charity.