Going Above, Beyond the Call
Public service has taken on a broader meaning for public servants in Garden Grove.
City officials estimate that last year, public employees raised and donated about $60,000 for local charitable programs, in addition to many hours of volunteer contributions.
Among the largest efforts was the Adopt-a-Family program, which provided food baskets and toys for needy families during the holiday season. Coordinated by the West Orange County Regional One Stop Center’s job-training program, the project helped families that had come to the center for help in finding jobs or improving their education.
Nineteen families were adopted and an additional 65 received assistance.
The city’s Community Services Department coordinated a similar Adopt-a-Senior program.
Other charitable efforts included the Garden Grove Fire Department’s Spark of Love toy drive, which was supported by fire departments in Orange and Los Angeles counties.
The Garden Grove Police Department dedicated its fund-raising and toy drives for Hearts Uniting Grandparents and Grandchildren, the Thomas House Shelter for the Homeless and Lutheran Social Services.
Students from area high schools helped the department collect, wrap and distribute gifts.
Finally, there was a 20% increase in employee donations to the United Way of Orange County and Community Health Charities organizations.
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Chris Ceballos can be reached at (714) 966-7440.
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