WesternU hosts local youth during Santa's Workshop

Students from Western University of Health Sciences provided Christmas cheer, food, activities and gifts to 100 children through the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services during Santa’s Workshop on Dec. 1, 2012.

WesternU has been the proud host of Santa’s Workshop for the past 24 years. The Student Government Association (SGA) organized the workshop with the support of the Office of University Student Affairs and the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services.

Children ranging from infants to 12 years old participated in arts and crafts, a Christmas play, a traditional holiday meal, and a visit from Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus.

"I find it remarkable that the University has hosted this event for the past 24 years,” said Michelle Tadros, Director of University Student Affairs. “I’m amazed how much support we receive from the campus community."

An estimated 300 people attended and received meals.

More than $11,000 in contributions was raised. The campus community donated an estimated $7,000 in gifts, and more than $4,000 in cash was received from local businesses, students, staff and faculty, Tadros said.

Local business organizations that contributed included Dawson Company; Imperial Guard Service – Brett Boston; The Grace Group; Inland Empire United Way; Jouni’s Catering; Pomona Frame House Main Street Gallery; Todd Memorial Chapel; U.S.A. Fit Force Taekwondo Inc., and Valley Academies Foundation.

WesternU community members who contributed included the Harriet K. and Philip Pumerantz Library; Aynun Begum; Christopher Bell; Dr. Lony Castro; Dr. Michelle Emmert; Kathryn Ford; Colleen Galindo; Susan Gebhard; Dr. Beverly Guidry; Jeff Keating; Jeff Malet; Theresa Ortiz; Robert and Cathie Pechnick; Olive Stephens; Ashley Suplee and Family, and Jennifer Tran.

In addition the SGA, the student organization Humor Improv Theater Squad and Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine Class of 2015 contributed time to the event.