In addition to a monetary donation, the Chamber also collected dozens of new toys for WRC to pass out to the children that are in their program. Chambers members were encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy to the Holiday Mixer and it was one of the largest toy drives in recent years.
“We had a client that came into our shelter after living in her car for two weeks escaping her husband who had been abusive for the last 10 years. She had three children under the age of 10. He discovered where they were because she was using her cell phone to contact people for help. She escaped again and drove to a shopping center parking lot where a stranger told her about WRC. She came to us after hours around 6.30pm needing our help. She was still shaken up after she had been discovered but after a long talk with a case manager they decided our shelter would be the safest place for her family. They thrived at the shelter where they received case management, counseling and of course all their needs like food, clothing and medications were met. This client went on to finish her nursing degree which allows her to now support her family financially and emotionally on her own. Our shelter allowed that first step for independence and her family's future safety and happiness.”
The Oceanside Chamber of Commerce has donated over $3,500 in the last two years to local charities and non-profits.