Winterfest: The Third Annual Oasis Charitable Holiday Celebration will be held at Centro Medico Oasis in Thermal on Saturday, December 16 from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. The event not only rejoices in the holiday season but lifts up the local community. In addition to featuring food and music, children can take a picture with Santa and receive special gifts.
For the parents in attendance — many of whom are migrant agricultural workers who may also be single and therefore the sole breadwinners in the family — the holidays are a joyful time, but also one of frustration and stress brought on by their inability to shower their children with treasures under the Christmas tree. Winterfest takes a very real burden off them, bringing smiles to every member of the family.
Historically, the event has hosted between 500 and 700 people, with 300 toys and blankets being given to each child and teen.
We would love for you to get involved in this event. Here are a few ways you can help make Winterfest a success for families in our community:
- Purchase a gift for a child. Consider picking up something extra on your shopping day. The gift can be anything appropriate for a child or teenager and can be a gift card or an item. (Suggested gift cards from Target, Walmart, Starbucks or Amazon).
- Blankets are needed! Suggested size: Queen, Amazon: https://a.co/d/0qDjtbW
- Donate funds online or in person - our goal is to distribute 100 bikes.
- Donate items in need. In addition to toys, families could also use diapers, laundry detergent, and other household items.
- Volunteer. We will need a great team of volunteers to make this even a success. To sign up for a shift, please reach out to Volunteer Services Manager Marcie Lerner at MLerner@daphealth.org.
- Host a donation box at your site. All sites are welcome to host a donation box where staff and patients can contribute items. If you are interested in having a box at your location, please reach out to Resource Development and Projects Coordinator Beth Newton at BNewton@daphealth.org.
If you wish to contribute an item, please partner with your supervisor to get the items to Oasis. All items can be delivered via our courier service to Centro Medico Oasis, Attn: Israel. Alternatively you can have items delivered to the above address - Centro Medico Oasis, Attn: Israel. Deadline is December 15th!