STEAC STORIES
STEAC’s Holiday Program Kicks Off
Special to The Enterprise, October 27, 2021
As the 2021 holiday season approaches, the coronavirus pandemic is continuing to have unprecedented, widespread impacts on households across America. While every person is being affected, the pain is not spread evenly and people of color, lower income households, and seniors are being disproportionately impacted across the country, and right here in Davis too.
The primary mission of the STEAC Holiday Program is to provide food and gifts for low-income Davis families and individuals during the December holiday season. “For families experiencing poverty, it can be a challenge to provide the basics like food, heat, clothing, and shelter to loved ones, and therefore, special holiday meals and gifts can simply feel out of reach,” said program chair, Kelly Coleman.
This will be the 54th year for the Holiday Program, a time-honored tradition in Davis that is embraced annually by local families, workplaces, and organizations. Each year, our community has been able to make the holidays brighter for over 400 local Davis families, residents, and seniors who are struggling to make ends meet. “This holiday tradition is particularly special because it really is neighbor-helping-neighbor, bringing the Davis community together to care for and support each other,” said Coleman.
Low-income Davis residents can apply for a holiday box starting October 25 through Nov. 14 using an online form offered in English and Spanish that can be found on our website at www.steac.org. This low-touch method is the fastest way to get the application completed. For those not able to apply online, there will be a few in-person days where for interviews on a first-come, first-served basis.
Instructions for applying, including specific dates, times and what documentation to bring, are available at various locations around town including Davis Community Meals (1101 H St.), and on our website at www.steac.org. Residents are encouraged to sign up as soon as possible as there is limited availability and slots fill up quickly.
STEAC also seeks individuals, families, businesses, groups, clubs, churches, and schools to adopt individuals and families of varying sizes. Holiday Program adopters are provided a checklist of food and a wish list of gifts specific to their adopted families. The cost of adopting ranges from $100 to $500-plus, depending on the size of the family.
After the adopter buys and packages the food and gifts on the list, they must be delivered between Dec. 7 and 9 to the program headquarters at the First Baptist Church, 38141 Russell Blvd. in Davis. To adopt a family, go to www.steac.org and fill in the form.
And finally, STEAC needs volunteers to conduct qualification call-backs and interviews from Nov. 1 to 17, as well as for the collection and distribution activities happening Dec. 6-11. We have implemented practices and procedures to safeguard health and safety during all of our volunteer shifts. If you are interested, go to our website at www.steac.org to fill out a volunteer form and let us know you would like to help with the Holiday Program.
The STEAC Holiday Program not only provides support to local families in need during the holidays, but also serves as an important fundraiser for STEAC’s other programs and services. Many people are inspired to give during the holidays, but the need to help struggling Yolo County families exists all year long.
Financial donations to STEAC’s Holiday Program will support struggling low-income county residents with basic necessities like rent, utilities, and food during this difficult time for so many in our community. Cash donations can be sent to the STEAC office at 1712 Picasso Ave Unit D, Davis, CA 95618, or made directly through STEAC’s website at www.steac.org.