Colusa County gives even when hurting
At a time when people are cutting coupons to make ends meet and businesses are cutting back on everything from employees to office supplies, Colusa County’s charity toward children is at an all-time high.
Despite a troubled economy, high unemployment and even higher prices, an enormous outpouring of support for the CHiPs For Kids program allowed the Williams California Highway Patrol, in conjunction with Impact Life Colusa County, to provide a happy holiday for about 2,000 underprivileged children – many of whom might have gone without toys on Christmas.
“We doubled the number of children we helped last year,” said Buffy Welch, Impact Life manager. “Everyone was incredibly generous.”
Welch said without the donations of toys by individuals and businesses in the county, the organization would not have been able to meet the high demand for charity this holiday season.
Saturday’s toy give away was the second the Williams CHP spearheaded since the CHiPs For Kids expanded to Northern Division offices.
“The community really came together this year,” said CHP public affairs Officer John Waggoner. “Everyone went above and beyond. It certainly exceeded my expectations.”
About 70 volunteers manned toy tables and gift wrapped presents at the Colusa Presbyterian Church, where many county residents came to pick from a large selection of dolls, games, trucks and puzzles.
Waggoner said people also stepped up to donate cash, which was used to purchase special items, including two bicycles for two Colusa County children in serious need of a happy holiday.
But volunteers at Saturday’s event said charity and goodwill includes the gift of time, not just the donations.
“I’ve been helping out at Impact Life for five years,” said Brenda Guerrero of Colusa. “I love toys and I love wrapping, so it’s kind of fun.”
Volunteer George McElligott said he came from humble beginnings himself and understood that many people need a little assistance during Christmas to provide their family with a joyous holiday. But he said giving to others is the real pleasure.
“Doing something for someone else make me feel better,” McElligott said. “By doing something nice, I get a blessing out of it.”
Even Officer Waggoner’s wife and three children jumped in to help at Saturdays’ event.
“I like helping out in the community and doing volunteer work,” said 15-year-old Courtney Waggoner.
Courtney Waggoner, a sophomore at Yuba City High School, said since her father became the Williams CHP public affairs officer a year ago, she has helped out with Olde Tyme Christmas, the Festival of Lights and other events, and has been inspired by her dad to become a CHP officer.
“It is what I want to do,” she said.
The CHiPs For Kids toy drive began in the Los Angeles area 20 years ago and has expanded to all offices in the state.
