Santa's Workshop

Western University of Health Sciences will welcome 193 children from the Department of Children & Family Services to campus for the 19th annual Santa’s Workshop, run by the Student Government Association with support from the Office of University Student Affairs.

Each child will receive gifts donated by WesternU students, faculty and staff. They will also enjoy face painting, coloring and other arts and crafts. SANUS will perform a Christmas play and everyone will enjoy a turkey dinner.

“This is my absolute favorite time of the year,” said Beverly Guidry, EdD, WesternU Vice President of Enrollment Management & Student Affairs. “Even during these difficult economic times, the generosity that overflows from our campus community is so genuine and continuously amazes me.”

The children, ranging in age from 2 months to 17 years, are invited to visit WesternU through the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services.

Admissions Coordinator Daniell Mendoza dropped off wrapped presents on Monday. She has participated in Santa’s Workshop every year she’s been at WesternU. She has four children of her own, and she enjoys watching them open presents.

“It’s nice to know I can do that for someone else as well,” she said. “It’s for the kids, so the kids can have a Christmas.”

Many others on campus are also pitching in. Pipeline to Health Careers is collecting book donations to give to the children. The WesternU Chamber Singers and SANUS actors will perform on Saturday and about 120 volunteers will help at Santa’s Workshop.

Some of the College of Veterinary Medicine Problem Based Learning groups teamed up to sponsor some of the children, said Michelle Emmert, Director of University Student Relations.

“It’s so amazing to see,” she said. “They’re so busy with exams, but they took time out to do something awesome for these kids.”